Photo Credit: Refugees International/ Mamie Mutchler
06/04/2005

The United Nations has stepped up efforts to return Liberians displaced by conflict to their home counties. One of the first camps to be “closed” was EJ Yancy in Bong County, as seen in this photo. Although technically the camp is not closed, all of the displaced who were registered with the World Food Program have received their final food distribution in camp, accepted a return package including a transportation allowance, and agreed to demolish their huts. Yet more than 1,200 residents remain in the camp and would like to stay.

Refugees International is calling on UN agencies to emphasize that returning home is voluntary and to clarify the options left for internally displaced people remaining in camps, such as consolidating in other camps and integrating locally.