By: E. Geedahgar Garsuah
MONROVIA: Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. has emphasized the need for practical actions to alleviate the suffering of refugees, urging global leaders to address the underlying causes of forced displacement, such as violence, conflicts, bad governance, and human rights violations.
Minister Kemayah made the call when he delivered a formal statement at program marking the observance of World Refugees Day in Monrovia.
The event brought together government officials, diplomatic corps, and representatives of the United Nations (UN), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and various community leaders.
The celebration was also aimed at commemorating the strength and resilience of refugees worldwide.
World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 to raise awareness about the struggles faced by millions of refugees around the world.
Citing UNHCR statistics, the Liberian Foreign Minister noted that there are approximately 108.4 million forcibly displaced people globally, including 35.3 million refugees.
He highlighted that 46% of these refugees are hosted in low and middle-income countries, with neighboring countries hosting 70% of them.
He stressed the importance of international cooperation in providing support to refugees and called for an end to violence and conflicts that drive people from their homes.
Drawing attention to Russia’s raging war against Ukraine, the Liberian senior diplomat condemned the Russian Federation’s aggression and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
He called on all well-meaning nations and governments to stand against negative nationalism and support the restoration of peace to Ukraine.
Minister Kemayah also shared Liberia’s own experience as a country that once produced refugees due to a brutal civil war.
He acknowledged the efforts of neighboring countries, the United Nations, and international partners in bringing peace and stability to Liberia.
He highlighted Liberia’s contributions to peacekeeping missions in Mali, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the country’s commitment to global peace and security.
Regarding the refugee situation within Liberia, the Minister stated that there are currently 1,782 refugees and asylum seekers are currently in Liberia.
He commended the government’s efforts in providing land, durable shelters, and access to education and other services to integrate refugees into society.
He mentioned Executive Order No. 108, signed by President George Manneh Weah, which supports integration and access to social services for refugees, particularly those from Ivory Coast.
The Minister called on humanitarian actors to assist host communities in providing support to refugees worldwide.
He reaffirmed the Liberian government’s commitment to supporting refugees and urged them to abide by the country’s laws while actively participating in the social and economic sectors.
Minister Kemayah emphasized the need for concerted coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among nations to address the root causes of forced displacement. He called for a collective effort to combat bad governance, authoritarianism, violence, and human rights violations, which contribute to the refugee crises. The Minister urged African nations to address conflicts and instability on the continent to prevent further displacement and refugee situations.
The program marking World Refugee Day in Liberia provided a platform to reflect on the challenges faced by refugees globally and underscored the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in supporting their rights, needs, and aspirations.
