World Refugee Day 2007 National Activities: Liberia

In Lofa County, UNHCR and Liberian government officials celebrated World Refugee Day as the number of returnees to the county topped the 50,000 mark. Special events were held at the UNHCR transit centre in Voinjama, including a parade followed by speeches and drama and cultural performances.

UNHCR and others took part in a parade in Saclepea, Nimba County. Special indoor activities included speeches, songs, dances and sketches on the responsibility of refugees, returnees, host community members and the authorities in promoting peaceful coexistence. Football matches and an evening cultural event rounded off the day.

A full day of activities was also held in Tahn, Grand Cape Mount County with the active participation of local authorities, humanitarian agencies and the United Nations. Indoor and outdoor activities included a parade, speeches, cultural performances, songs, sports and the presentation of gifts.

World Refugee Day was celebrated in rural Gbarnga Siaquelleht in Bong County with returnees, former displaced people and locals. The day began with about 500 banner-waving people taking part in a solidarity parade. An indoor programme followed, during which dramas on HIV and domestic violence were presented. A 20-minute radio broadcast for Radio Gbarnga was recorded by UNHCR.

Activities in Zwedru, included a parade, cultural performances, speeches and a sports evening with the locals.