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Liberia: David Farhat Speaks On Refugees' Plights
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The Analyst (Monrovia)
20 March 2008
Posted to the web 20 March 2008
J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Opposition politician and former Standard-bearer of the Free Democratic Party, Mr. David Farhat has described as unfortunate, conditions Liberian refugees in Ghana are faced with in the wake of the demonstrations and subsequent arrest and detention.
Dozens of Liberians were rounded up Monday by Ghanaian security officers after they had staged what they called "peaceful demonstration" in demands of resettlement benefits. Among other things, the refugees demanded resettlement benefits, from US$5.00 to US$1000.
Commenting on the situation which claimed national and international attention, the former presidential contender urged the refugees to accept whatever given by the UNHCR as resettlement benefits, and that they should be grateful for what is being provided.
There are reports that they are getting transportation and other allowances. Mr. Farhat further said after 15 years of living in refugee camps in Ghana, they should have had the second thought to return home.
"They must come home to contribute to the reconstruction exercise and then to stay in another man's land make demands. If I had been the president, following their street protest, he would have recommended to the Ghanaian Government to have them packed sent home.
He said the refugees should have taken into consideration the constitution of Ghana, what it says regarding demonstrations and governed themselves. He said Liberia could not allow any Ghanaian to violate the organic laws; as such the decision to arrest the demonstrators was right.
Mr. Farhat noted that the treatment meted at the Liberian refugees is indicative of the fact Liberians will not be allowed refuge in other country if anything sparks off.
"Ivory Coast is not yet free; Sierra Leone and Guinea are striving for democracy, and Ghana is the only free country, but will not allow it again because of their behaviors", he said.
In other development, Grand Bassa Representative Gabriel Smith, commenting on the issue said the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) should see reason and increase the resettlement benefit.
He said Liberia is a founding nation of the United Nations and Liberian citizens should be given some respect, in the case of refugees. According to him the relationship between Ghana and Liberia is very close, and at such urged the Ghanaian authorities to treat the refugees well.
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He said the refugees demonstrated out of frustration. "Looking at the amount to be given them as resettlement benefits. I think it is very small, and the UNHCR must revisit their decision," he said.
In response to Mr. Farhat's comments regarding Liberian refugees in Ghana, I think he needs to realize that there are times when such statements are necessary and other times when emphaty is required. I am sure he would have a paradigm shift if he really understands the situation at the refugee camp. I respect his opnion, but beg to differ. God bless him and wish him success in his political future.
Orea Wright USA
If David Farhat has nothing to offer those suffering people let him keep quiet. He doesnt know what it is like to be a refugee in Ghana among people who consider you to be less than human and who repeatedly cheat you of benefits that is rightfully yours. Let Mr. Farhat rather be an avocate for Liberians. Let him find out how much money the United nations ear marked for liberian refugees for repartriation and see whether the $100 offered then is equitable or even sensable.Let him consider how refugees in Liberia are treated and compare that with the... [Read Full Text]
I think it is a shame that neither Mr. David Farhat or the Liberian government is sensitive to the plight of the Liberian refugees in Ghana. Mr. Farhat was in fact partly responsible for the fefugees being in ghana in the first place. He being a member of the past govenment. It pains me to see our people suffering in another country and yet the government has not offer any hope to assist them.
It is not a surprise that David Farhat was not elect president, God knows the true liberian who care for the land and people of Liberia and David is a greedy politician who wants to be known and steal from liberians and he is not one of them and can not be a leader, as we can see he lacks judgement and wise decision making even in little matter such as this. I think he needs to keep his mouth close and stop speaking nonsense. Gibson Indianapolis, USA
What David Farhat is talking about? Are you saying that, even when your citizens go against another country law, you won't be able to help them out? Are you saying that the way there were seized from their homes, houses and all belongings is ok with him? Liberians in Ghana have stayed long there and they have established a lot of things there.
Some are in schools, others and trying to do their businesses and the lot of them got properties that they can not easily archive when they get back. If even, the refugee misbehalf, is this how to... [Read Full Text]
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