UNHCR’s 2008-2009 programme in Sierra Leone aims to promote and support local integration for up to 17,000 Liberian refugees and adopt and implement durable solutions for refugees with specific needs with a view to enhancing and strengthening national capacity to assume full responsibility for the protection of refugees.

The Office will achieve this aim through various means including legal support, small-business grants and skills training. It will also advocate for refugees’ right to work and engage in other income-generating activities, and to use national health and education services.

Up to 17,000 Liberian refugees, and an estimated 25,000 local people in eight refugee-hosting communities in the southern and eastern regions, including the towns of Bo, Kenema, and Freetown, will benefit from the programme in 2008.

At the national level, UNHCR will help the Sierra Leonean authorities assume full responsibility for the protection and management of refugees and help build national capacity to smooth the transition from relief to development.