Monrovia, Liberia, September 28, 2024 – In a significant call to action, Patrick T. Worzie, the head of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Reintegration Commission (LRRRC), has advocated for the creation of a robust, sustainable, and decentralized asylum system in Liberia. He emphasized that decentralization would facilitate the active involvement of all line ministries, agencies, and civil society organizations (MACs), ensuring a more comprehensive and effective approach to managing asylum seekers and refugees in the country.
Mr. Worzie highlighted the critical need for training MACs members in the usage of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system. He noted that proper training would significantly enhance the country’s asylum regime, providing better oversight and accountability.
He presented these ideas during his attendance at a three-day conference on asylum capacity development. Organized by the West and Central African Regional Bureau of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the event took place in Dakar, Senegal, from September 23 to 26, 2024. The conference aimed to improve the asylum systems across the region by sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among member states.
In addition to advocating for a decentralized system, Mr. Worzie stressed the importance of establishing legal representation for refugees during the adjudication of their cases in Liberia. He argued that providing legal aid is crucial for ensuring that refugees receive fair and just treatment within the legal system. This move, he believes, would align Liberia more closely with international standards and reinforce its commitment to human rights.
Mr. Worzie also reflected on Liberia’s historical role in the region, noting its significant contributions to the emancipation of Africans. Between 1991 and 2020, Liberia admitted over 500,000 Sierra Leonean and Ivorian refugees, demonstrating its longstanding tradition of offering refuge to those in need. He asserted that this legacy underscores the need for a fortified and well-structured asylum system.
The conference in Dakar brought together representatives from 24 member states from West and Central Africa, as well as officials from the UNHCR’s headquarters in Geneva. The discussions focused on enhancing asylum capacities, sharing knowledge, and building stronger partnerships to address the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in the region.
Representing Liberia at the conference were Patrick T. Worzie and the LRRRC’s Director for Protection, Mr. Darrell Cholopleh. Their participation underscored Liberia’s active role in regional efforts to improve asylum processes and support refugee rights.
Liberia is a signatory to several key international instruments on refugees, including the 1951 Geneva Convention and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1969 OAU/AU Convention governing specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa. These commitments reflect the country’s dedication to upholding the rights and protections afforded to refugees under international law.
As of now, Liberia hosts 1,789 asylum seekers, a number that highlights the ongoing need for a well-organized and responsive asylum system. Mr. Worzie’s call for a decentralized approach and enhanced legal representation aims to ensure that Liberia can effectively manage this responsibility and continue to provide a safe haven for those fleeing persecution and conflict.
In conclusion, Mr. Worzie’s proposals mark an important step towards strengthening Liberia’s asylum system. By decentralizing the process and providing legal representation, Liberia can ensure more equitable and efficient handling of asylum cases. This reform would not only benefit asylum seekers but also reinforce Liberia’s position as a leader in refugee protection in the region. The initiatives discussed at the Dakar conference are expected to pave the way for significant improvements in the asylum systems of West and Central African countries, with Liberia playing a pivotal role in this regional endeavor.
