Through its current programmes in Liberia DRC is targeting upwards of 65,000 beneficiaries, with the goal of finding durable solutions to the war-related problems in Liberia and assisting in the general reconstruction of the country.
DRC aims at helping the war affected populations: refugees, internally displaced people, former-combatants, returnees and other community members to re-integrate and rebuild their livelihoods.
Recovering from war
Almost 15 years of civil war have forced the majority of civilians in Liberia to flee their homes, often several times. The peace agreement signed in 2003, along with the establishment of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), has provided peace and stability to the country and given incentives to refugees and IDPs to return. Nonetheless, returning IDPs remain in a vulnerable situation.
Apart from the displacement, Liberia faces other challenges i.e. lack of basic social services and facilities, including health, education, water and sanitation, high food insecurity and scarce livelihood opportunities. An estimated 85% remain unemployed and 80% survive on less than 1$ a day. Most of the country's infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving roads and bridges in very poor condition.
DRC operates a programme focused on return and reintegration of refugees, IDPs, and ex-combatants as well as general recovery, reconstruction and peace building at community level. The programme aims at strengthening the communities’ ability to plan and prioritize their own development, which is being done through the formulation of Community Action Plans (CAPs). The programmes are implemented in collaboration with local authorities and the communities wherein DRC works. The communities themselves often contribute with e.g. local materials, labour and land. Furthermore, labour-intensive strategies form an essential backbone of the program, which aims at improving and stabilizing the security situation through employment creation.
In Liberia DRC currently receives funding from Danida, the EC, and DRC’s national collection.
