The British Government has announced an urgent emergency aid package to help tens of thousands of people affected by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Liberia and Ivory Coast.

The UN estimates that up to one million people have fled their homes in Ivory Coast to escape the violence caused by the ongoing political crisis and are in desperate need of food, clean water, shelter and urgent medical care. In neighbouring Liberia more than 122,000 Ivorian refugees have been registered to date.

View our photo story to find out more from the families who have fled the fighting. Or read our news story for a full breakdown of Britain's support.

In July 2010 Lord Ashdown began leading a taskforce of experts to review how the UK government should respond to humanitarian disasters and emergencies.

Lord Ashdown presented the results of this independent review – known as the Humanitarian Emergency Response Review – to International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell at a launch event earlier this week.

This forward-looking review will help DFID and its partners respond effectively to disasters and emergencies of the future – delivering a response that is fit to deal with the unexpected and new humanitarian challenges of the 21st century.

Responding to the Review, Andrew Mitchell said:

"This is a landmark report and I would like to thank Lord Ashdown for the enormous effort he and his team have put into the review.

"I will now use its findings to identify crucial reforms that will ensure Britain keeps its place at the forefront of disaster response for years to come."

You can download a copy of the final report or visit the DFID website to find out more about the review. Or read our latest guest blog written by Lord Ashdown.

To mark Mother's Day 2011 we're highlighting how the UK's aid efforts will help at least two million women to deliver their babies safely with skilled midwives, nurses and doctors.

Over the next four years this support will help to save the lives of at least 50,000 women during pregnancy and childbirth and 250,000 newborns - helping more babies in the world's poorest countries grow up with the love and support of their mothers.

Thanks to a community programme in northern Nigeria funded by UK aid, local volunteer Fatsuma helped 25-year-old Hauwa'u give birth to a healthy baby boy. Fatsuma had learnt the warning signs of difficult pregnancies and births by using an innovative technique – known as body tools – which helps people learn how to spot symptoms without using pen and paper.

To find out how Hauwa'u and baby Muktar are getting on now and to learn more about the body tools technique visit our website. You can also view our photo gallery to learn more about the community programme that helped Hauwa'u. 

Films: Mother's Day wishes from Nigeria | The way forward: the road to better maternal health care