Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ACCRA383
2008-03-20 14:13:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Accra
Cable title:
Update on Plans to Deport Liberian Detainees
how-toVZCZCXRO0509 PP RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHAR #0383 0801413 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 201413Z MAR 08 FM AMEMBASSY ACCRA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6313 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0393
UNCLAS ACCRA 000383
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND PRM
GENEVA FOR RMA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL LI GH
SUBJECT: Update on Plans to Deport Liberian Detainees
Ref: Accra 380
UNCLAS ACCRA 000383
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND PRM
GENEVA FOR RMA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL LI GH
SUBJECT: Update on Plans to Deport Liberian Detainees
Ref: Accra 380
1. (SBU) Following up on reftel discussions concerning the possible
deportation of Liberian residents of the Buduburam refugee camp,
Ambassador Bridgewater spoke March 20 with Interior Minister Kwamena
Bartels. Bartels said that after consultations with UNHCR and the
Liberian Government, Ghana is now planning to return tomorrow (March
21) to Liberia 40 of the detainees who had been arrested for
violating the Public Order Law.
2. (SBU) Bartels said these 40 detainees were not documented as
refugees and were "hanging around" Buduburam. He said that the GOG
was coordinating this with UNHCR, and when asked whether UNHCR was
in agreement with their deportation, Bartels replied that these
"people were of no concern to UNHCR." When asked by the Ambassador
whether the GOG was ensuring that the deportations did not result in
the separation of parents and children, Bartels replied that
families were being reunited and sent back to Buduburam.
3. (SBU) Bartels also confirmed that the Ghanaian and Liberian
Foreign Ministers would meet on Tuesday, March 25.
4. (SBU) In a separate conversation March 20, the Liberian
Ambassador to Ghana confirmed to Ambassador Bridgewater that the GOG
will deport 40 Buduburam residents who are not documented as
refugees and who were causing mayhem at the camp. He also noted
that the Presidents of Ghana and Liberia had spoken and agreed that
something must be done with those who had broken the law.
5. (SBU) Finally, Accra Refugee Coordinator Office (RCO) spoke March
20 with UNHCR's Accra office, who confirmed that they are engaged in
ongoing discussions with the GOG regarding a way forward for the
detainees. UNHCR has also informed us that they are involved with
the screening process, have gained access to the detainees, are
ensuring that they are receiving proper care and treatment, and are
ensuring that measures are in place to protect children and families
from separation. UNHCR Coordinator is scheduled to meet with
Ambassador Bridgewater at 1500 local March 30 to provide latest
briefing.
BRIDGEWATER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND PRM
GENEVA FOR RMA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL LI GH
SUBJECT: Update on Plans to Deport Liberian Detainees
Ref: Accra 380
1. (SBU) Following up on reftel discussions concerning the possible
deportation of Liberian residents of the Buduburam refugee camp,
Ambassador Bridgewater spoke March 20 with Interior Minister Kwamena
Bartels. Bartels said that after consultations with UNHCR and the
Liberian Government, Ghana is now planning to return tomorrow (March
21) to Liberia 40 of the detainees who had been arrested for
violating the Public Order Law.
2. (SBU) Bartels said these 40 detainees were not documented as
refugees and were "hanging around" Buduburam. He said that the GOG
was coordinating this with UNHCR, and when asked whether UNHCR was
in agreement with their deportation, Bartels replied that these
"people were of no concern to UNHCR." When asked by the Ambassador
whether the GOG was ensuring that the deportations did not result in
the separation of parents and children, Bartels replied that
families were being reunited and sent back to Buduburam.
3. (SBU) Bartels also confirmed that the Ghanaian and Liberian
Foreign Ministers would meet on Tuesday, March 25.
4. (SBU) In a separate conversation March 20, the Liberian
Ambassador to Ghana confirmed to Ambassador Bridgewater that the GOG
will deport 40 Buduburam residents who are not documented as
refugees and who were causing mayhem at the camp. He also noted
that the Presidents of Ghana and Liberia had spoken and agreed that
something must be done with those who had broken the law.
5. (SBU) Finally, Accra Refugee Coordinator Office (RCO) spoke March
20 with UNHCR's Accra office, who confirmed that they are engaged in
ongoing discussions with the GOG regarding a way forward for the
detainees. UNHCR has also informed us that they are involved with
the screening process, have gained access to the detainees, are
ensuring that they are receiving proper care and treatment, and are
ensuring that measures are in place to protect children and families
from separation. UNHCR Coordinator is scheduled to meet with
Ambassador Bridgewater at 1500 local March 30 to provide latest
briefing.
BRIDGEWATER