Cote d'Ivoire's civil conflict between 2003 and 2007 resulted in the internal displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, profound social disintegration, and the decay of basic community infrastructure such as health centres, water points and schools.

Having previously worked in Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in the late 1990s to assist Liberian refugees, the International Rescue Committee re-opened its office in Abidjan in 2003. This was to respond both to the humanitarian needs of displaced Ivorians as well as to address a new wave of Liberian refugees.

The IRC currently focuses on water and sanitation, women's rights, child and youth education, and health in Cote d'Ivoire. We also directly support the return of displaced people through supporting the rehabilitation of community structures and micro-enterprise projects. Through village savings and loans associations we are helping to improve access to financial resources for women.