| Peace
Winds Japan 2-11-5 Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0015 Japan Telephone: +81-3-5451-5400 Facsimilie: +81-3-5451-5401 www.peace-winds.org meet@peace-winds.org |
|
Photo credits: |
| Message
from the Chairperson The Role of NGOs Iraq Mongolia Indonesia East Timor Sierra Leone Afghanistan Iran Activities in Japan Major Activities in FY2003 Organizational Time Line Organizational Structure Financial Statement for FY2003 PWJ English Top |
Republic
of Sierra Leone Since
2001, the situation in Sierra Leone has gradually moved towards stabilization.
Many of the Sierra Leonean refugees who fled to other countries have now returned
to their hometowns, and are striving to rebuild their lives. On the other hand,
in Liberia, the neighboring country, a civil war has been fought for the past
14years. An estimated 800,000 Liberians (more than one quarter of the population)
have been forced to flee their homes, and many of these refugees have streamed
into Sierra Leone. It is not only refugees that cross the border, but also weapons
and even armed soldiers are said to come and go, posing a severe threat to the
fragile stability in Sierra Leone. Here, PWJ
supports both Sierra Leonean returnees and Liberian refugees. Simultaneously assisting
two groups of people who are in completely different situations is not an easy
task. However, as West Africa is in a situation where instability in one nation
could trigger unrest in surrounding countries, support activities must be carried
out with foresight for the stabilization of the whole region.The main area of support for Sierra Leonean returnees is Kono District. In FY2003, PWJ managed to meet its goal of completing 25 wells, as well as providing hygiene education to improve sanitary conditions and prevent infectious diseases transmitted by water. Also, in November, well-drilling specialists were invited from the UK to conduct a training course for PWJ staff. Such efforts are expected to make operations in FY2004 more efficient and effective.  As for the
support of Liberian refugees, PWJ is currently managing two refugee camps. The
population of these camps continued to rise as the civil war in Liberia intensified,
at one point coming close to 12,000 people. During FY2003, PWJ, while accepting
new refugees, also strived to improve the living conditions in the camps. A new
school building was constructed and efforts were made to improve the hygiene level.
The inflow of refugees finally ceased only after the conclusion of a much-awaited
peace treaty in Liberia in August 2003. Now, with expectations to return to Liberia
gradually growing among the refugees, PWJ is entering a new stage where it must
consider supporting their return back home. |
