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UNHCR sends mission for refugees stranded in western Côte d'Ivoire
12 Dec 2002 The UN refugee agency has sent a team to Guiglo to re-establish contact with refugees stranded in and around the conflict zone. The mission will also assess their most urgent needs and evaluate best options for a possible evacuation. -
UNHCR plans to evacuate refugees in western Côte d'Ivoire as conflict spreads
9 Dec 2002 At least 36,000 people have fled western Côte d'Ivoire since fighting erupted on November 28. More look set to follow as the conflict spreads in the refugee hosting area, where some 72,000 mostly Liberian refugees live. The UN refugee agency is exploring options of moving those affected to safety. -
More than 30,000 flee Côte d'Ivoire for Liberia, Guinea
6 Dec 2002 As fighting continues in western Côte d'Ivoire, tens of thousands of people have left for neighbouring Liberia and Guinea. At the same time, the conflict has cut off UNHCR's contacts with over 45,000 refugees in the Ivorian areas of Man and Danané. -
UNHCR calls for open borders, urgent funds for Ivorian crisis
3 Dec 2002 Anticipating an outflow of refugees and civilians amid intensified fighting in Côte d'Ivoire, the UN refugee agency has urged neighbouring countries to keep their borders open to people fleeing the conflict. It has also appealed for $6.1 million in emergency funds for the region. -
UNHCR warns against worsening crisis in Côte d'Ivoire
29 Nov 2002 Fighting has intensified in the Danané and Man areas in western Côte d'Ivoire, which host the majority of 73,000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees in the country. The UN refugee agency has warned of an impending catastrophe if the situation deteriorates. -
As razing of Ivorian shantytowns continues, refugees ask to go home to Sierra Leone
19 Nov 2002 Thirteen shantytowns in Abidjan have so far been razed, displacing some 40,000 people. With some 30 more shantytowns reportedly slated for destruction and increasing numbers of people leaving the country, more displaced Sierra Leonean refugees have approached UNHCR to request repatriation. -
UNHCR voices concern about refugee harassment in Abidjan
8 Nov 2002 The UN refugee agency has found an alternative site for some displaced refugees in the Ivorian city of Abidjan after they complained about harassment and insecurity. Meanwhile, 26 Sierra Leonean refugees have flown home amid the tense climate. -
Final effort to help 30,000 East Timorese refugees go home
1 Nov 2002 East Timor President Xanana Gusmão has launched a final bid with UNHCR and IOM to persuade East Timorese refugees in West Timor to repatriate. Those who decide to return by year's end will receive transportation to their hometown and a repatriation package. -
UNHCR updates regional emergency plan in midst of Ivorian turmoil
29 Oct 2002 Besides helping displaced refugees in Côte d'Ivoire, the UN refugee agency has deployed staff to neighbouring countries to assist fleeing refugees and will soon set up a regional stockpile for 20,000 people. Meanwhile, some 40 Sierra Leonean refugees in Abidjan are set to fly home.
