FORGOTTEN REFUGEES IN WEST AFRICA

Early day motion 1507, tabled 13 July 2004 by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 79 members.

That this House welcomes statistics from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees indicating a decline in the number of refugees and displaced people worldwide to the lowest figure in a decade; notes that nearly 100,000 refugees are still residing in Guinea alone and that this is symptomatic of the endemic post-conflict problems in the West Africa region; further notes that it is essential that refugees receive the support and security they require until it is safe for them to return home; notes the response of the international community to the region's civil wars; and calls on the Government to provide leadership and a lasting commitment to West Africa in order that the refugees are not forgotten after the media departs.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 6, Labour/Co-operative 4, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 2.