The Global Advancement for Refugees, Migrants, and Stateless Persons (GARMSP) has expressed deep appreciation to the Governments of Liberia and the United States for initiating dialogue on humanitarian protection for persons of concern slated for repatriation to Liberia.
Liberia, as a party to the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and a signatory to the 1967 Protocol, is legally bound to uphold international refugee standards. Together with the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention, these instruments place Liberia in a position to receive and render services to refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable persons.
Recent reports suggest a possible agreement under which Liberia would serve as a “third‑country” host for 1,200 individuals currently within the U.S. asylum system. GARMSP, drawing on years of experience in refugee protection, has offered reflections on the potential humanitarian and national benefits of such an arrangement.
Third‑country asylum refers to an arrangement where one nation transfers asylum seekers or migrants to another country for processing, protection, and hosting. In this case, individuals in the U.S. system would be relocated to Liberia.
GARMSP emphasizes that such transfers are permissible under international law, provided they comply with the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention, and the principle of non‑refoulement — which prohibits returning individuals to territories where they may face persecution, torture, or danger.
Safety and Dignity: GARMSP believes Liberia can guarantee the safety and dignity of transferred individuals, provided proper safeguards and monitoring mechanisms are established.
Legal Access: Liberia’s structured asylum framework, supported by qualified professionals, can ensure fair procedures and legal assistance.
Resources: Adequate support for housing, healthcare, education, and livelihoods must be secured. GARMSP stresses that international partners must commit resources to ensure that Liberia’s own vulnerable citizens are not neglected.
Transparency: Any agreement must be a genuine partnership with clear terms, mutual obligations, and public accountability.
GARMSP highlights that many of those considered for transfer possess professional skills and diverse backgrounds that could contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s economy, workforce, healthcare, and education systems. With careful planning, the arrangement could strengthen Liberia’s humanitarian record while simultaneously advancing national development.
Rev. Festus R.B. Logan, Executive Director of GARMSP, underscored Liberia’s tradition of hospitality:
“Liberia has a proud history of hosting refugees. We understand displacement, and we can do so again. But hospitality must be matched with planning, resources, and full respect for the law. If done right, this agreement can protect human rights while also expanding opportunities for jobs, healthcare, and skills transfer for Liberians. Our people and those seeking protection deserve nothing less than dignity.”
GARMSP believes the proposed agreement can prioritize human rights while advancing Liberia’s national interest. The organization welcomes public dialogue and pledges to work with government, civil society, and international partners to ensure protection with dignity.
