World Vision Concern as Violence in Ivory Coast Forces Refugees to Flee East

World Vision UK are concerned that nearly 10,000 people will be displaced as violent clashes continue to flare up in the African country Ivory Coast. The fleeing thousands are heading east into Ghana, where World Vision representatives are on standby to aid the many families who are being forced from their country due to ongoing fighting.

Head of emergencies at World Vision UK, Mark Bulpitt, said –

While the vast majority of refugees have headed to Liberia, we must not forget the thousands who have fled the other direction into Ghana. The United Nations and authorities there are busy assessing the situation. World Vision is working alongside them, in a co-ordinated effort, to make sure children and their families get the support they need.

World Vision teams are now set up in Ghana to hand out a wide range of life saving mosquito nets, water containers, cooking equipment and waterproof sheets to protect those displaced from the harsh elements. The main focus of attention is being focused on the Ampaim Settlement Camp in the western region, which is already home to more than 2,000 refugees.

During the four month violent stand off, people have been crossing the border into Ghana to escape the endless fighting that has followed the disputed presidential election. Hopefully the violence will end soon, but until peace has been found, World Vision frontline representatives will be on hand to deal with the displaced.

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