Monrovia – In a significant move to improve the welfare of refugees, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has issued Executive Order No. 144, a new policy aimed at enhancing refugee support in Liberia. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) headquarters in Tarr Town on March 4, 2025.
By Patience M. Jones, contributing writer
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), government officials, and members of the LRRRC board, highlighting a strong commitment to advancing the welfare of refugees in Liberia.
Jackson J. Paye, Officer in Charge of the LRRRC, expressed his enthusiasm for the new executive order, which replaces Executive Order 108, enacted by former President George Manneh Weah in 2022. Paye emphasized that the transition to Executive Order 144 was aligned with the LRRRC’s mandate to improve service delivery and its partnership with the UNHCR.
“We celebrate the issuance of Executive Order 144, which reflects the government’s dedication to upholding the rights of refugees as per the 1951 Geneva Convention,” Paye said.
The new order facilitates civil documentation for approximately 1,901 former Ivorian refugees, enabling them to engage in legal transactions and move freely within Liberia.
The order also offers key benefits to registered refugees and former Ivorian nationals, including access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and housing. It introduces an expedited process for regularizing their status, supporting local integration and peaceful coexistence in communities across Liberia.
The collaborative efforts of various government ministries, including the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, were acknowledged during the conference.
Minister Honorable Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr. was highlighted as a key signatory of the order, following a resolution passed by the LRRRC board in December 2024.
While some challenges remain unresolved, Paye expressed confidence in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve services for refugees.
“We are grateful for the prompt issuance of Executive Order 144 and are hopeful that subsequent actions will continue to enhance our service delivery,” Paye stated.
The immediate impact of Executive Order 144 is expected to strengthen Liberia’s humanitarian principles and improve the living conditions of refugees within the country.
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