Liberia collaborates with regional organizations like the AU, ECOWAS, MRU and UNHCR to address refugee affairs and provide support to those in need.

1. African Union (AU)

The African Union is a continental union comprising 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. You can view the list of AU member states here.

The AU has developed frameworks and policies such as the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, which expands the definition of refugees and provides guidelines for their protection and assistance.

2. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. You can view the list of ECOWAS member states here.

ECOWAS has protocols and frameworks that address the free movement of persons, the right of residence, and the right of establishment. These protocols indirectly affect refugee management by promoting cooperation among member states in handling migration and displacement issues.

Major Features of the Protocol and Four Supplementary Protocols on the Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment in ECOWAS (Adepoju, Aderanti, Alistair Boulton, and Mariah Levin. "Promoting integration through mobility: Free movement under ECOWAS." Refugee Survey Quarterly 29.3 (2010): 120-144.):

1. 1979 Protocol A/P.1/5/79 Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment
   • Establishes the right for Community citizens to enter, reside, and establish in the territory of member states.
   • Implemented in three phases over 15 years:
     1. Right of entry and abolition of visas (Article 2).
     2. Right of residence (Article 7).
     3. Right of establishment (Article 13).
   • Defines entry without a visa for a stay not exceeding 90 days, provided they have valid travel documents and health certificates (Article 3).
   • Allows member states to refuse admission on grounds of public order, public security, or public health (Article 4).
   • Outlines conditions under which expulsion can occur (Article 11).
2. 1985 Supplementary Protocol A/SP.1/7/85 on the Code of Conduct for the Implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence, and Establishment
   • Requires member states to issue valid travel documents to their citizens (Article 2).
   • Details the types of travel documents to be provided (Article 3).
   • Specifies the procedures for the expulsion of persons, ensuring fair treatment (Article 4).
   • Lists protections against illegal immigration (Articles 5 and 7).
3. 1986 Supplementary Protocol A/SP.1/7/86 on the Second Phase (Right of Residence)
   • Allows Community citizens to reside in member states and take up income-earning employment (Article 2).
   • Requires possession of an ECOWAS Residence Card or Permit (Article 5).
   • Ensures equal treatment with nationals of the host member states regarding employment rights and tax regulations (Article 10).
   • Emphasizes non-discrimination and protection against expulsion (Articles 13 and 15).
   • Stipulates compensation for unjust expulsion (Article 16).
4. 1989 Supplementary Protocol A/SP.1/6/89 Amending and Complementing the Provisions of Article 7 of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence, and Establishment
   • Amends the 1979 Protocol to clarify and enhance dispute resolution mechanisms regarding the interpretation and application of the Protocol (Articles 1 and 2).
5. 1990 Supplementary Protocol A/SP.2/5/90 on the Implementation of the Third Phase (Right of Establishment)
   • Clarifies the right of establishment, ensuring non-discriminatory treatment of nationals and companies of other member states (Article 2).

   • Prohibits discriminatory practices against established businesses and requires fair compensation for any such actions (Article 7).

      

3. Mano River Union (MRU)

The MRU is an international association established in 1973 between Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and later joined by Côte d'Ivoire, aiming to foster economic cooperation and integration. You can view the overview and history of the MRU here.

The MRU focuses on regional peace and security, which includes addressing issues related to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) through collaborative efforts to stabilize and develop the region.

4. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Collaborations

While it is not a regional governmental organization, UNHCR works closely with regional bodies like the AU and ECOWAS to coordinate refugee protection and assistance.

UNHCR’s collaboration with regional organizations ensures that international standards for refugee protection are upheld and that regional initiatives are supported and implemented effectively.