Protecting the Rights of the Displaced in West Africa

West Africa has been victim to successive waves of conflict for more than 15 years. Civil wars raged in Liberia and Sierra Leone displacing up to 80% of the populations of those countries at the height of the violence. Separatist rebels in Senegal's Casamance region contested government troops over more than 20 years, displacing tens of thousands.

While peace is taking hold in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and a historical peace accord was signed between the Senegalese government and Casamance separatists in 2004, conflict continues to divide Cote d'Ivoire. Recent violence surrounding the succession of power in Togo has also forced thousands into exile.

Since its inception, the International Refugee Rights Iniative has partnered with organizations in the region. We are currently working with WARIPNET to develop a practical handbook for refugee protection in the region. We have also joined a coalition of civil society groups across the continent and beyond seeking to bring Charles Taylor to justice. Taylor was offered asylum in Nigeria in exchange for exiting power in 2003.

International Refugee Rights Initiative publications relating to West Africa:

"Refugee Protests Derailed in Ghana," Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 2
April 2008.

"By the Grace of God: Insecurity and Empowerment in a West African Refugee Camp," by Jennifer Rumbach (IRRI intern - Spring 2007), May 15, 2007.

"Prosecuting a Warlord: Charles Taylor facing justice at last," Refugee Rights News, Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2006.

"Charles Taylor: One Step Closer to Justice," Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 4, November 2005.

"Liberian Elections Exclude IDPs," Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 4, November 2005.

"Liberian Elections and President Charles Taylor," September 1, 2005.

"Is Charles Taylor's Time Up?" Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2005.