MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The House of Representatives has summoned the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) to appear before a joint committee to discuss plans for repatriating Liberians from the diaspora to Bong County.
A press release issued on Thursday, May 16, 2024, by the House Press Bureau named the joint committee as Resettlement, Repatriation, Relief, and Readjustment, and Good Governance and Government Reform. The decision came following a communication from Bong County District 5 Representative Eugine JM Kollie.
“Hon. Speaker and Members of the 55th National Legislature, I wish to bring to your attention that the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) is currently constructing temporary plastic-coated (tarpaulin) dwellings in SKT, Suakoko District, Bong County to host Liberians that are identified to be repatriated,” Rep. Kollie wrote.
Rep. Kollie emphasized the need for broad-based consultations with the host community to avoid potential socio-cultural conflicts. He argued that proper consultation is an internationally accepted practice for repatriation processes.
“Honorable Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, to enhance smooth repatriation and subsequent integration of our fellow Liberians, I plead your indulgence to invite the Executive Director of the LRRRC to address key issues including the EPA-approved management of the environmental stewardship of the temporary structures that will host repatriated Liberians,” he alerted.
Rep. Kollie also called for clarity on the social safeguard measures adopted by the LRRRC for the Suakoko repatriation process, the land acquisition processes, and the sustainable livelihood and socio-cultural integration mechanisms. Additionally, he sought details on the security measures accompanying and sustaining the repatriation in Suakoko for the well-being of all Liberians.
Authorities of the LRRRC are expected to appear before the joint committee next Tuesday to respond to these concerns.
