MONROVIA – The Global Advancement for Refugees, Migrants and Stateless Persons (GARMS) has voiced cautious support for ongoing discussions between the Governments of Liberia and the United States regarding a proposed agreement that could see Liberia serve as a host nation for up to 1,200 individuals currently in the U.S. immigration system.
In a press statement issued today, the Liberian civil society organization emphasized that while such an arrangement—known as “third-country asylum”—could bolster Liberia’s humanitarian standing and bring economic benefits, it must be pursued with rigorous planning, transparency, and robust safeguards for both the incoming population and Liberian citizens.
The term refers to a process in which one country transfers asylum seekers or migrants to another nation for processing, protection, and eventual residency. Under the reported proposal, individuals currently navigating the U.S. legal framework would be relocated to Liberia.
Liberia is a party to the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, a signatory to its 1967 Protocol, and a member of the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention. These treaties collectively obligate Liberia to receive and protect refugees, asylum seekers, and other persons of concern—provided that the principle of non-refoulement, which forbids returning anyone to a place where they could face persecution or torture, is strictly upheld.
GARMS affirms that Liberia’s existing asylum framework and cadre of legal professionals are capable of managing such a process, provided adequate international support is secured.
According to GARMS, the agreement could offer Liberia more than just a humanitarian achievement. Many of the individuals under consideration are said to possess professional skills and diverse backgrounds that could contribute to Liberia’s healthcare, education, and workforce sectors.
However, the organization stressed that success depends on clear answers to critical questions:
· Safety and dignity – Can Liberia ensure the protection of transferred individuals through proper monitoring?
· Legal access – Will asylum seekers receive fair procedures and legal assistance?
· Resources – Will international partners provide sufficient funding for housing, healthcare, and livelihoods, while ensuring Liberian citizens are not disadvantaged?
· Transparency – Will the agreement include clear terms, mutual obligations, and public accountability?
Rev. Festus R.B. Logan, Executive Director of GARMS, underscored Liberia’s historical tradition of hospitality while urging prudence.
“Liberia has a proud history of hospitality. We have hosted refugees before, we understand displacement, and we can do so again,” Logan said. “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.”
GARMS expressed trust that ongoing negotiations are addressing these considerations and called for public dialogue on the matter. The organization reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government, civil society, and international partners to ensure that any final arrangement upholds protection with dignity.
