Children taking refuge in Liberia 'at serious risk'

Source: http://www.cafonline.org/Default.aspx?page=20084

27 April 2011

The refugee crisis in Liberia is putting the wellbeing of children at serious risk, it has been stated.

According to Save the Children, violence in neighbouring Ivory Coast has pushed more than 150,000 people over the border into Liberia, with 10,000 refugees having fled between 13 and 19 April alone.

Many Liberian towns are now experiencing "serious food shortages", the charity reports, while the pressure to raise money could be putting young people in danger.

Save the Children Emergency Team Leader Rae McGrath said that refugees who have fled with no money or food can be taken advantage of, with some teenage girls turning to prostitution in order to make ends meet.

"Young children may be at risk of being sent to work to bring in food," Mr McGrath observed.

He added that children who have been separated from their families could be particularly vulnerable.

Of the 157,000 refugees currently living in Liberia, just 2,700 are housed.

Earlier this month (7 April), the non-profit organisation reported that many refugees were in desperate need of hygiene items and medical supplies.

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