By Samuel David|Senior Contributor
On the sidelines of the 173rd session of Executive Committe(EXCOM) in Geneva Switzerland, Liberian delegation holds meeting with top UNHCR Representatives.
The delegation is headed by Internal Affairs Minister Varney A. Sirleaf while members of the delegation include Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) Executive Director Rev Festus R.B. Logan and Liberia permanent mission to Switzerland His Excellency Paul Tate.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Minister Varney A. Sirleaf thanked the UNHCR for their support in finding durable solutions for Ivorian Refugees in Liberia.
He said Liberia remains Committed to the 1951 Geneva convention and all other International instruments regarding the status of Refugees.
For his part, LRRRC Executive Director Rev. Festus Logan provided overall summary of the Refugee situation in Liberia.
He said Liberia had made significant efforts to implement the comprehensive solutions contained in the Roadmap for Ivorian Refugees living in Liberia.
Rev. Logan lamented the need for livelihood assistance for integrating Ivorian families was significant for the sustainability of the local integration process, the Government was already issuing civil documentation to them.
Responding, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Raouf Mazou expressed appreciation to the Government for its tremendous achievements in finding durable solutions, especially the comprehensive Roadmap for Ivorian Refugees stating that Liberia is far ahead of other Countries.
Mr. Mazou said UNHCR was working with the World Bank to support the Government’s Development Plan which include livelihood activities for Refugees and host communities.
Meanwhile, Rev. Logan informed the top UNHCR authorities about situation facing former Liberian Refugees in Ghana and the need for urgent assistance for the former Refugees who have requested to return to Liberia due to eviction and demolition served them by Ghanaian authorities stating that if nothing is done, their situation could lead humanitarian crisis which could eventually lead to massive displacement of the affected population.
