-Seek Government Protection
A group of Burkinabé nationals in Grand Gedeh County has reported ongoing harassment and mistreatment, calling on the Liberian government to take immediate action to ensure their safety. The individuals claim they have faced intimidation from unidentified men posing as state security personnel.
The Burkinabés are appealing to the government of Liberia, specifically the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), to recognize their status, which would allow them to move freely and without fear of harassment in the county.
Patrick Wozie, the head of the LRRRC, expressed deep concern regarding the situation when contacted for comment. He emphasized that the Commission is committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the safety of all individuals within Liberia’s borders.
Wozie highlighted Liberia’s obligations as a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees and the 1969 Addis Ababa Convention, which governs the rights and protection of refugees. He affirmed that Liberia will continue to provide a haven for those fleeing conflict and persecution, such as the Burkinabés currently facing challenges.
In the meantime, hundreds of Burkinabés, including many women and children, have been flocking to the LRRRC office in Grand Gedeh County seeking asylum. Reports indicate that the southeastern region of Liberia is currently home to approximately 40,000 Burkinabés, with Grand Gedeh alone accounting for around 23,000 of that total.
Recently, the LRRRC organized a one-day stakeholder dialogue in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address the pressing issue of undocumented migrants in Liberia. However, the outcomes of this meeting have raised concerns among stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
