As the 2011 General and Presidential Elections draw nearer, the United Nations Refugees agency, UNHCR together with its implementing partners is contemplating on the possible repatriation of Liberian refugees and those seeking refuge in Liberia.

In a practicum held on Tuesday March 16, 2010 at the PA RIP House near the James Spriggs Pyne Airport in Congo Town, several of UNHCR's implementing partners including CARITAS, UNICEF, LRRRC and Child Fund among others participated in the conference.

According to LRRRC Senior Protection Officer, Mr. Nicholas Perkins, who read a special statement on Liberia Government's protection strategy for refugees, efforts have been made to repatriate at least 15,000 refugees out of the estimated 64,000 Liberian refugees in other countries.

Mr. Perkins also said that in partnership with UN Agencies, especially UNHCR, relevant government ministries and bureaus, such as MIA, BIN, LNP and Customs, will collaborate at various levels in the provision of needed services for the refugees. He said the government will tap into strained financial resources to augment budgetary shortfalls, create as a consequence of donor fatigue and the scarcity of financial and material resource.

He also disclosed that the Government of Liberia is in need of donor support in order to achieve an objective and reactivate the reintegration programme for returnees, "considering UNHCR's reduced funding, for example, Micro Grants, Scholarships, skill training, Agriculture and other livelihood support for sustainability," Mr. Perkins disclosed.

The meeting ended given participants the opportunity to make recommendations deemed necessary for the full implementation of the UNHCR's plan to repatriate refugees before the incoming General and Presidential Elections in Liberia including the election in the Ivory Coast.

LRRRC Boss Wheatonia Dixon Barnes added her voice and maintained that his organization is a strong partner of UNHCR and as such expects a right decision to be made in the interest of the refugees. She said due to the General and Presidential Elections which is right in the corner, 2011 should be considered as "the year of repatriation to enable our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora to partake in the ensuing General and Presidential Elections.

The program ended with participants advancing their opinion and recommendation for the perfect implementation of the repatriated process.

It can be recalled that UNHCR began the process of repatriation some years ago following the cessation of the 14 -year civil crisis.