The problem of corruption in Liberia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The problem of corruption in Liberia - Essay ExampleAt the beginning of 2002, UNHCR assisted the refugees who voluntarily wanted to repatriate to Sierra Leone, and by the end of September, close to 13,000 refugees had been repatriated. UNHCR intends to continue its work in close cooperation with the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), which is the presidential term origin responsible for constructing and implementing programmes for the displaced in Liberia (UNHCR, 2002c Kamara, 1999b).Many of the studies on the topic of resettlement and repatriation emphasise the security conditions and the importance of guaranteeing shield for the refugees. This seems to be a major concern not only throughout the conflict but too in the postwar period. In late 1992 there were reports of security problems, especially in the northern Lofa County, and as a result UNHCR and NGOs were unable to reach the Sierra Leonean refugees in that area. Moreover, although UNHCR has had a volunteer(prenominal) repatriation plan in place since July 1991, the ongoing fighting has prevented Liberian refugees from returning (Jesuit Refugee Service, 19937). According to UNHCR, the security situation improved moderately in 1993. However, the implementation of the Cotonou agreement, which was argued to be a condition for the return of the refugees, was behind schedule (UNHCR, 1993). Furthermore, in primeval 1994, UNHCR was asking donors for funds regarding the voluntary repatriation of some 700,000 Liberian refugees residing in neighbouring countries at that time (Jesuit Refugee Service, 1994). Abdi and Tinstman discuss voluntary repatriation to Liberia, and they too argue that the security situation in Liberia is precarious and that there is a need to see that the refugees are protected (Abdi and Tinstman, 1995). Paul Stromberg reports that, in late 1997, the UNHCR shifted its insurance of facilitating repatriation to a more active policy of promoting repatriatio n, but progress has been slow. The problems pick up been several(prenominal), for instance, the cross border insurgencies, together with the lack of interest from the international donors which have resulted in lack in funding (Stromberg, 1998). In a paper by Tom Kamara, several aspects concerning returnees and repatriation are discussed. Kamara argues that security issues, as well as the economic environment, make the conditions for repatriation and reintegration difficult (Kamara, 1999b). Along the corresponding lines, Philippa Atkinson has conducted a study of the political and socio-economic conditions facing the Liberian refugees as they returned from neighbouring countries to Liberia. She analyses a number of different factors, including shelter, viands aid, income distribution, and employment (Atkinson, 1992). In a more recent study on economic opportunities for those returning home, dominate Dekker studies a group of Ghanaians who moved to Liberia, but due to the war ret urned to resettle in their home country. The government of Ghana and international agencies were focusing on the Liberian refugees while Ghanaian refugees were left to fend for themselves. However, add schemes were offered by an NGO, and it is this scheme which Dekker evaluates in her study. Dekker examines the factors that determined whether the refugees were successful in making use of this economic prospect and able to repay their loans (Dekker, 1995). Jeff Crisp reports on