Refugee Assistance

Catholic Relief Services ensures that over 45,000 refugees receive their daily food rations in the five refugee camps located in the southeastern part of Guinea. CRS, which became the food distribution partner for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2004, expanded its reach from four to six camps in 2005. During 2004 and 2005, CRS and its local partner distributed over 10,000 tons of food commodities each year to Liberian and Ivoirian refugees. Mosquito nets, jerry cans, bars of soap and kerosene were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

Refugees line up to receive monthly food rations.

Emergency food distributions in Guinea's refugee camps started in the early 1990s when the first wave of Liberians fled their home country. Refugees continue to be dependent on this food assistance, and without it, thousands would go hungry. CRS' food distributions help refugees, the majority of whom are women and children, maintain a healthy diet during their stay in the camps. Regular food distributions help stabilize the continuing tensions between the Mano River countries — Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Since the end of 2004, CRS has also been responsible for assisting Liberian refugees who wish to return permanently to their home country. CRS and its local church partner prepare hot meals and sandwiches for the refugees returning home. In this way the refugees' nutrition is assured during their journey home.