50 Sierra Leoneans Take Liberian Citizenship
Published: 24/Jul/2018
Source: New Republic Liberia
By R. Joyclyn Wea
The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) has issued certificate of citizenship to at least 50 former Sierra Leonean refugees who have expressed desire to be citizens of the country.
This is said to mark the beginning of government’s commitment to the domestication of all international instruments, conventions, protocols and treaties since Liberia is signatories to said instruments.
The history of the little over 100,000 Sierra Leonean refugees in Liberia allegedly started in 1991 through a prima facie recognition.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the government of Liberia ended voluntary repatriation for more than 95,000 Sierra Leonean refugees by the end of June 2004; and the subsequent revoking of Sierra Leonean refugee prima facie recognition through the cessation clause leaving a residual caseload around 3,600 in 2008.
Speaking at the certification ceremony held in Bentol City Montserrado County, LRRRC Executive Director, Festus Logan said the issuance of certificate of citizenship to the first 50 former Sierra Leonean refugees marks the beginning of the pro-poor government unfinished commitment to the domestication of all international instruments, conventions, protocols and treaties.
Director Logan further explained that the rebranding of the LRRRC under the CDC led government will take full control of the mandate and core functions in addressing the issues and emerging issues relating to their sustainable local integration for 10,000 Ivorian refugees.
The 4,000 DED Liberians in the USA, 11,788 stranded Liberian migrants in Africa and other parts of the world, for humanitarian protection and support with reference to the Kampala Convention which Liberia is signatory, he further added.
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