By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Patrick Worzie, is calling for enhanced global efforts to protect refugees, asylum seekers, and other persons of concern (PoCs).
Representing the Liberian Government at the75th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner Programme (EXCOM) in Geneva, Switzerland on October 14, Worzie reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to international refugee conventions and highlighted the challenges Liberia is facing in managing its displaced populations.
Director Worzie emphasized the peaceful and stable environment the country has created for refugees despite the challenges of displacement in the sub-region.
He reiterated Liberia’s commitment to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU Protocol, and the African Union’s Kampala Convention on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
According to him, as of September 30, 2024, Liberia hosts 1,851 forcibly displaced persons, including 1,176 refugees and 675 asylum seekers.
Worzie detailed that the reduction in the refugee’s population was due to the successful implementation of the September 2021 Roadmap for Comprehensive Solutions for Ivorian refugees.
However, challenges remain for 647 Ivorian refugees who have opted for residency in Liberia but have been denied passports by their home country, Côte d’Ivoire, preventing them from obtaining legal status.
Director Worzie explained the steps taken to address the situation, including the potential extension of Executive Order #108 to allow refugees access to civil documentation and long-term residency.
He added that a major point of concern was the growing presence of over 40,000 Burkinabe nationals and 400 Malians, who have fled their countries and settled in southeastern Liberia.
Director Worzie reported that the LRRRC, along with local authorities, had begun profiling these individuals and issuing Temporary Identification Protection Cards (TIPCs), but long-term solutions are urgently needed.
“The Government of Liberia is appealing for partnership through technical assistance to profile these individuals and issue them at least five-year civil documents, including ID cards, work permits, and travel documents,” Worzie stated.
He called for the international community to support Liberia in managing the significant humanitarian needs posed by these new arrivals, many of whom have sought refuge in vulnerable communities.
Worzie highlighted Liberia’s significant progress in addressing statelessness. Following Liberia’s signing of the Abidjan Declaration in 2015, 90% of its pledges have been fulfilled.
A National Action Plan (NAP) was validated in 2022 and has been submitted to Liberia’s national cabinet for endorsement, providing a framework to address new and emerging protection issues related to stateless individuals.
Director Worzie also spoke about the ongoing repatriation of former Liberian refugees and stranded migrants.
Following an appeal by President Boakai at the United Nations General Assembly, 1,539 Liberians have been repatriated from Ghana, with 2,700 more set to return by November 2024.
An additional 2,000 refugees are expected to return from other Mano River Union countries by December 2025.
Worzie expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present Liberia’s case to the international community and called for stronger global collaboration to develop durable solutions for the displaced populations within Liberia.
“The Liberia delegation is honored and gratified as we seize this unique opportunity to rally all necessary support for a quality asylum regime and sustainable programs in finding durable solutions for the people we serve,” he concluded.
The 75th EXCOM session, which runs through October 19, brings together leaders from across the globe to discuss critical refugee and asylum-related issues.
