Ties of Love and Peace

“Tens of thousands of refugees from Ivory Coast have crossed the border into Liberia, fleeing post election violence since the disputed poll of November 2010. CRS and partner organizations including Caritas and Liberian Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) have helped strengthen host communities who welcomed the refugees, like New Yourpea in Nimba County.

A thousand emergency shelters have been built and farm projects have offered seed and tool fairs and cash-for-work lowland rehabilitation to try to improve food security.

Many of the Liberian families in the host communities are welcoming the same Ivorians who helped them, giving them food and shelter when they themselves fled Liberia’s 14-year civil war.

CRS Regional Information Officer for West and Central Africa, Helen Blakesley, went to meet the hosts and the refugees to hear their stories.”