Refugees – 2004

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Much of the refugee and IDP repatriation that occurred from 2004 on was assisted by the UNHCR. As the security situation within Liberia improved in the last quarter of 2004, the UNHCR began to facilitate voluntary repatriation. 16,000 individuals were repatriated with UNHCR assistance. All individuals aided by the UNHCR received a basic return package including blankets, mosquito nets, lanterns, plastic mats, plastic sheets, buckets, jerry cans, kitchen sets, soap, and travel bags. The World Food Program (WFP) also provided returnees with 4 months of basic food rations. The food rations were given out in two installments – one upon immediate arrival and one after two months. In addition, 7,500 refugees and IDP families with farming backgrounds received agricultural tools and seeds as part of their return package.1

Refugees – 2003

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Refugee repatriation efforts were not carried out in 2003. However, after heavy fighting between government and rebel forces occurred in the city, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) did help relocate thousands of refugees and IDPs from irregular shelters in Monrovia to refugee and IDP camps. Nevertheless, necessary mechanisms were in place for the repatriation process.[fn]”Secretary General’s Report to the UN Security Council,” United Nations (S/2003/1175), December 15, 2003. [/efn_note]

Amnesty – 2009

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The amnesty issue became more intense when the TRC, in June 2009, recommended suggestions that included the role of the president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf among other individuals and government officials during civil war. As of 2010, general amnesty is still a contentious issue even regarding the combatants who already received general amnesty in 2003.