Photo Credit: Refugees International/ Deborah Terry
06/13/2005

While a lot of money and energy has been spent on facilitating the returns of the internally displaced and refugees, there has been less focus on developing the home areas. One of the main complaints of IDPs and refugees that have gone on “go and see” trips to the areas of return is that their home villages have been destroyed and not yet rebuilt.

UNHCR has been investing in quick, small-scale projects such as clinics, schools, and water pumps, such as this one in Lofa county, to encourage return. Greater and more long-term development assistance is now required from the international community.