Local Integration
Local integration is one of the durable solutions for refugees who choose not to return to their countries of origin. In Liberia, following the end of the UNHCR organized repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees in June 2004 the residual caseload of 3,563 of the refugees who live at the Banjor, Samukai, and VOA camps expressed their desire to remain in the country. Out of this number, 469 are opting for alien resident status; while 1,964 prefer naturalization. Even though the rest of them (1,130) are indecisive, it is likely that they will also take advantage of the assimilation process.
The local integration strategy will involve several elements such as legal (attainment of rights, status), social (housing, community relations, development, media and sports), economic (enhancement of livelihoods through employment/self employment, agriculture and training), health and the environment.
As a jump start to the process, the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and
Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) and UNHCR have been holding discussions with the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) and the local authorities of communities where the refugees have opted to locally integrate.
In order to cement the discussions and to give stakeholders and local
officials a broader perspective about the process, a sensitization
conference is tentatively planned for mid February 2008.
Additionally, the 31 government low cost housing units constructed by the late President William R. Tolbert, Jr. during the 1980’s for civil servants in Bensonville, Montserrado County, have been identified. The Government of Liberia through the Superintendent of Montserrado County has agreed for UNHCR to complete and renovate the buildings for the local integration of some Sierra Leonean refugees. Out of the 31 buildings, 19 are partially
completed and are being occupied by Liberian families. Eight of the
buildings are almost completed; while four of them are still at foundation level.
The legal document that will authorize UNHCR to carry out the reconstruction works on the buildings is being processed by LRRRC and local government officials. In fact, a 2 kilometer road leading from the Administrative building to the site of the units is currently under construction.
Besides, parcels of land have also been identified in some parts of
Montserrado County, including Virginia, Cruiserville, Harrisburg and White Plains Townships to be developed for local integration. Demarcation and GPS reading for maps preparation is ongoing. The Township Commissioners were requested through LRRRC to issue deeds that will give UNHCR the legal right to construct shelters and distribute part of the land to the refugee families for their agricultural purposes.
The local integration strategy will involve several elements such as legal (attainment of rights, status), social (housing, community relations, development, media and sports), economic (enhancement of livelihoods through employment/self employment, agriculture and training), health and the environment.
As a jump start to the process, the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and
Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) and UNHCR have been holding discussions with the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) and the local authorities of communities where the refugees have opted to locally integrate.
In order to cement the discussions and to give stakeholders and local
officials a broader perspective about the process, a sensitization
conference is tentatively planned for mid February 2008.
Additionally, the 31 government low cost housing units constructed by the late President William R. Tolbert, Jr. during the 1980’s for civil servants in Bensonville, Montserrado County, have been identified. The Government of Liberia through the Superintendent of Montserrado County has agreed for UNHCR to complete and renovate the buildings for the local integration of some Sierra Leonean refugees. Out of the 31 buildings, 19 are partially
completed and are being occupied by Liberian families. Eight of the
buildings are almost completed; while four of them are still at foundation level.
The legal document that will authorize UNHCR to carry out the reconstruction works on the buildings is being processed by LRRRC and local government officials. In fact, a 2 kilometer road leading from the Administrative building to the site of the units is currently under construction.
Besides, parcels of land have also been identified in some parts of
Montserrado County, including Virginia, Cruiserville, Harrisburg and White Plains Townships to be developed for local integration. Demarcation and GPS reading for maps preparation is ongoing. The Township Commissioners were requested through LRRRC to issue deeds that will give UNHCR the legal right to construct shelters and distribute part of the land to the refugee families for their agricultural purposes.
LRRRC in Pictures
