Date of publication:
07/07/2025
Liberia
Please describe the institutions at the national and sub-national (central and local) levels responsible for implementing laws and policies related to the rights of forcibly displaced persons.
In Liberia, the administrative entities responsible for implementing legislation related to refugee rights operate at the central, sub-central, and local levels. Here are the key entities and their functions, along with the legislative basis for their responsibilities.
CENTRAL LEVEL
- Liberian Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC)
The Liberian Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) is the Government of Liberia lead humanitarian Agency that provides international protection for Refugees, Stateless person, internally displaced, mixed National and other people of concern (POCs)
The LRRRC is established in section 4 of the Refugee Act, 1993.
Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1993 provides the functions of the Commission which can be summarized as:
- Coordinating and overseeing all refugee-related activities in Liberia.
- Facilitating the repatriation, resettlement, and integration of refugees and returnees.
- Working in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations to provide assistance and protection to refugees.
- Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice operates under the Executive Law, Chapter 25, Liberian Codes, Revised Vol III. This law outlines the Ministry's broad mandate over legal and justice-related affairs, including immigration and asylum matters.
Functions:
- The Ministry of Justice oversees the legal framework for refugees and asylum seekers in Liberia.
- It works to ensure that refugee protection aligns with both domestic laws and international conventions to which Liberia is a party.
- It coordinates with other government bodies and international organizations to facilitate the legal processing of asylum claims and the protection of refugee rights.
- The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS)
The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), formerly the Bureau of Immigration & Naturalization (BIN) is a security agency under the Ministry of Justice.
LIS has several key responsibilities:
- Enforcing Laws: LIS is charged with the primary responsibility to implement and enforce the Alien and Nationality Law of Liberia. Beside the Alien and Nationality Law, it is also governed by the Constitution of Liberia, the ECOWAS Protocols on Free Movements of persons, goods and services within the sub-region, international conventions and laws, among other instruments
- Border Management: LIS has the statutory mandate to safeguard and protect the borders and boundaries (air, land and sea) of Liberia against the illegal entry of aliens into the country. The Bureau also screens and examines travel documents; admits aliens at sea, air and land borders (ports of entry); grants aliens resident status and provides border management and control.
- Joint Security Operations: The LIS collaborates with the Liberia National Police to maintain peace and security. It investigates cross-border crimes, including smuggling, trafficking, and encroachment.
- International Cooperation: The LIS adheres to ECOWAS and MRU protocols on free movement. It also honours UN conventions on human rights.
- Identity Documents: The LIS issues passports, birth certificates, and national identity cards.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates under the Executive Law, Chapter 25, Liberian Codes, Revised Vol III. This legislation designates the Ministry with the task of overseeing Liberia's international relations and executing international agreements.
The protection of refugees is primarily coordinated through diplomatic channels, international relations, and negotiations. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may engage in advocacy and diplomatic efforts related to refugee protection, the direct implementation of refugee protection measures and services typically falls under the purview of other government agencies, such as the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) and the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with international organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Therefore, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may play a role in representing Liberia's interests concerning refugee protection at the international level and in negotiating agreements related to refugees, the day-to-day protection and management of refugee affairs are usually handled by other entities within the government structure.
SUB CENTRAL LEVEL
- Ministry of Internal Affairs
The Ministry of Internal Affairs operates under the Executive Law, Chapter 25, Liberian Codes, Revised Vol III. Under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the protection of refugees is primarily facilitated at the local level through the coordination and collaboration with local authorities, including district commissioners, town chiefs, and clan chiefs. These local administrative entities work closely with national government agencies, such as the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) and the Ministry of Justice, as well as international organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of refugees within their respective communities.
While the Ministry of Internal Affairs is primarily responsible for overseeing internal governance, including local administration and community affairs, it may also play a role in facilitating communication and coordination between local authorities and national agencies involved in refugee protection efforts. Additionally, the Ministry of Internal Affairs may support initiatives aimed at promoting community integration and social cohesion between refugees and host communities, thereby contributing to the overall protection of refugees within Liberia.
Refugees are located in three camps (Bahn, PTP, and Little Weibo), host communities, and the urban location of Monrovia.
- County and District Authorities
County and District Authorities operate under the Local Government Act and other relevant local government regulations.
Functions:
- Implement policies and directives from the central government regarding refugee rights and management.
- Provide support services to refugees, including housing, healthcare, and education in collaboration with the LRRRC.
- Facilitate local integration and ensure the safety and well-being of refugees within their jurisdictions.
LOCAL LEVEL
- Local Councils and Community Leaders
Local Councils and Community leaders operate under the Local Government Act and traditional governance structures.
Functions:
- Engage in grassroots-level management and support of refugee communities.
- Address immediate needs and concerns of refugees within their communities.
- Foster peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.