SIERRA LEONE / LIBERIA: The Government is to provide €20 million to Sierra Leone and Liberia over the next two years. The announcement was made by Minister of State for Irish Aid and Human Rights Conor Lenihan, who is visiting the region.
The new funding involves €14 million for Sierra Leone and €6 million for Liberia, "to support the recovery and transition from conflict" in both countries.
Announcing the funding, the Minister said: "The arrest of the former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor, underlines the importance of dealing effectively with the sometimes horrific past of both Sierra Leone and Liberia, in order to build a stable, peaceful and prosperous future.
"It is essential to end any perception that those responsible for the most serious crimes will go unpunished, which is the reason that Ireland has provided support to the Special Court for Sierra Leone since its establishment.
"In Liberia, Ireland has provided over €8 million since 2001 to help address humanitarian needs. Those needs are still enormous: for example, Liberia is still without running water and electricity. As part of today's commitment, I am immediately making available €4 million to assist returning refugees, provide basic healthcare and assist women affected by the war.
"Since 2000, we have provided €14 million to assist the recovery process in Sierra Leone. A further €2.5 million will be released in coming days to combat maternal mortality and to help counter violence against women."