EMBARGOED TO THE MEDIA UNTIL TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2003, 1100 HRS NEW YORK TIME

Sierra Leone

CONSOLIDATED APPEAL

SUMMARY

Still recovering

Sierra Leoneans are still recovering from an eleven-year conflict that devastated much of the country and brought much suffering to its people.

More than half of the population was displaced, economic activities were severely disrupted and much of the infrastructure destroyed.

But since the conflict ended two years ago, Sierra Leoneans have made progress towards peace and recovery.

Civil administration has been extended throughout the country, peaceful elections were held, and over 543,000 displaced persons have returned to their homes.

Sierra Leoneans still face pervasive poverty. There are instances of extensive centralization and inefficiency; a debilitated infrastructure; high unemployment (particularly among young people); and inadequate social services to cope with the demands of post-conflict recovery.

In many areas, people still lack access to basic services. Over half (79 of 150) of chiefdoms are ranked by FAO as highly vulnerable.

Recovery needs are considerable. Infrastructure still needs rebuilding in 67 chiefdoms.

Meanwhile, instability in neighbouring Liberia still threatens peace and recovery in Sierra Leone.

Some 70,000 Liberian refugees are in Sierra Leone. Renewed unrest in Liberia brought another 19,800 refugees between February and June 2003.

Transition

Consulting with the Government and its partners, and based on the UN Development Assistance Framework 2004-2007, the United Nations country team has put together an integrated Transitional Appeal for Relief and Recovery in 2004.

It comprises three joint programmes to meet both emergency relief needs and immediate recovery requirements in 2004:

• Support to Liberian refugees and host communities: Provide protection, emergency assistance, and care and maintenance for 70,000 Liberian refugees in Sierra Leone
• Voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leoneans: Promote and support the voluntary repatriation of 30,000 Sierra Leoneans in safety and dignity and provide initial reintegration support
• Community based recovery: Focus only on areas yet to benefit from current recovery efforts

Request

Under the 2004 Transitional Appeal, the UN country team is seeking a total of US$ 60,939,200.

Funding Requirements in 2004
(US$)