03/21/2004

These boys are living in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Liberia. In March 2004, it is estimated that 500,000 Liberians are displaced; 300,000 fled their shelters to the greater Monrovia area during the fighting in June 2003 and are currently occupying 116 refugee centers.

The internally displaced Liberians outside of Monrovia are living in dismal conditions, mainly because agencies on the ground cannot travel freely outside of the capital without fear of being attacked. Protection of IDPs inside camps is also worrying. The camps that RI visited are full of military elements. Refugees Internation is calling on the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to play a stronger protection role in the camps.