Verklaring eurocommissaris Georgieva (Humanitaire hulp) over de humanitaire crisis in Ivoorkust (en)
In Abidjan and across Cote d'Ivoire violence is growing, with mounting civilian casualties and over a million people fleeing their homes in search of safety. I am alarmed by the reports about man-hunt and ethnic killings.
I am also concerned by the spill-over impact of this conflict, which is putting an enormous toll on neighbouring countries, especially Liberia. Over 120,000 refugees are flocking into poor areas where their hosts were already living on the verge of a humanitarian crisis.
History has given us far too many bitter examples of the scale that humanitarian disaster can reach when such escalation of violence is not stemmed by decisive and responsible action.
This is why I appeal to both Laurent Gbagbo and President-elect Alassane Ouatarra: for the sake of your people, for the sake of humanity, protect civilians, allow the help of humanitarian workers and prevent Cote d'Ivoire from slipping further into a civil war. I hope the Ivorian leadership realises the importance that the international community attaches to the full compliance with international humanitarian law. Humanitarian organisations which are there to help people in need must be allowed to continue their work in an impartial and neutral way.
The European Commission was the first to mobilise emergency aid in December 2010 following the resumption of violence in the wake of last year's election so that humanitarian organisations could care for the first wave of internally displaced people and refugees. Our assistance allows humanitarian organisations to care for internally displaced Ivoirians and refugees, and as the situation deteriorates we are increasing our support.
More info
Commissioner Georgieva's statement on EbS
http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/player/streaming.cfm?type=ebsplus&sid=177412
The European Commission's humanitarian aid in Côte d'Ivoire crisis:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/georgieva/headlines/news/2011/03/29_en.htm
IP/11/322 : Major increase in European Commission funding for victims of Côte d'Ivoire crisis