-
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. -
Survey indicates refugee profile, integration in Costa Rica
31 Oct 2002 Refugees in Costa Rica are largely urban, middle-class, well educated and self-employed, according to a recent survey conducted by the UN refugee agency and the University of Costa Rica. -
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. -
West African countries meet to discuss contingency plans for Côte d'Ivoire
17 Oct 2002 Representatives from Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone are meeting with international agencies to discuss different scenarios and their possible humanitarian consequences. -
Chaos in Côte d'Ivoire hits both locals and foreigners
11 Oct 2002 Sporadic fighting and rising xenophobia have displaced more Ivorians, immigrants and refugees within the country. At the same time, some Ivorians and foreign nationals are also leaving for surrounding countries. -
UNHCR concerned about displaced people in Ivorian hotspots
8 Oct 2002 Weeks after an attempted coup in Côte d'Ivoire, refugees, migrants and Ivorians continue to be uprooted in Abidjan and Bouaké. The situation remains tense at the borders, but no large outflows have been reported so far. -
Feature: Homeless again as refugees flee burning shanty towns in Côte d'Ivoire
2 Oct 2002 Hundreds of refugees have arrived at the UNHCR office in Abidjan with tales of persecution and house burning by the military. More than 650 have found accommodation with help from the refugee agency, but more transit centres are needed as more refugees come forward.