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Internal conflict split Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) in 2002 and the situation remains tense. French and U.N. peacekeepers patrol a buffer zone that separates the government-controlled south and rebel-occupied north. In addition, refugees fleeing fighting in neighboring West African countries often cross to Ivory Coast. The International Rescue Committee, having worked with Liberian refugees in this country for years, reopened an office in 2003 to work with a new wave of Liberian refugees as well as displaced Ivorians.
How We Help
The IRC’s initial emergency response focused on education and health care services. Today, the scope of that work has expanded to include initiatives on child protection, gender-based violence, environmental health and emergency reproductive health.
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The IRC rehabilitated this water pump in Gozon village to give Liberian refugees and host community Ivorians access to clean water. Photo: Jennifer Walsh/International Rescue Committee
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