WHY THIS ALERT HAS BEEN ISSUED: On Tuesday, October 14, the Senate is expected to vote on its version of the 2004 supplemental appropriations bill for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the debate, Senators Chafee and Leahy will offer an amendment for $200 million in relief and humanitarian assistance for Liberia.

ACTION REQUESTED: Call, email or fax your Senators today and urge them to support the Chafee-Leahy amendment to add $200 million for relief and reconstruction efforts in Liberia in the supplemental appropriations bill. The amendment transfers funds from other non-military accounts and does not add to the total cost of the bill.

To send an email message from Catholics Relief Services or to get contact information for your Senators visit, www.catholicrelief.org/actioncenter.cfm.

BACKGROUND: Renewed fighting over the past several months between rebel forces and government militias has precipitated a large-scale humanitarian crisis in Liberia, which has experienced 14 years of civil war. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, more than 500,000 of Liberia’s population of three million are currently internally displaced as a result of the violence.

Humanitarian access remains a critical concern for relief and development agencies such as Catholic Relief Services. Large numbers of internally displaced persons and tens of thousands of refugees who fled to Liberia from other conflicts in the region have been cut off from outside assistance. Lack of safe drinking water among the displaced population in and around the capital, Monrovia, has already led to outbreaks of cholera. And there are reports of local hospitals unable to cope with the influx of new cases.

On October 2, 2003, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Walter Kansteiner testified before the Africa Subcommittee of the House International relations Committee that $200 million would be needed from the U.S. to address humanitarian needs in Liberia in RY2004.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Call, email or fax your Senators today urging them to include at least $200 million for relief and reconstruction efforts in Liberia in the supplemental appropriations bill. When you call, ask to speak to the Senator’s chief of staff or to the aide who handles Liberia.

FOLLUP REQUESTED: Catholic Relief Services would like to hear about your advocacy efforts. Please contact them or fill out the on-line form at www.catholicrelief.org/get_involved/advocacy/30606_1.cfm. Thank you for all of your help!

Talking Points:

1. I am deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in Liberia, whose people are suffering from displacement, food insecurity and growing health concerns.

2. Unless we make immediate investments to build on a fragile cease-fire, the country may again slip into chaos and violence.

3. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Walter Kansteiner has called for $200 million to address Liberia’s needs.

4. I urge to support the Chafee-Leahy amendment providing $200 million for critical humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Liberia in the emergence supplemental.

5. The funds do not add to the total cost of the bill because the funds come only by transfer from other non-military accounts.

6. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.