Date of Graduation

Spring 5-21-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Migration Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Migration Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Amy Argenal

Abstract

The rising increase of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has become a global problem. There are over 40 million internally displaced people globally, and 15.9 million are displaced in Africa. These displacements come into place due to war/conflict, corruption, massive human rights violations, natural disasters, urban renewal projects (at the hands of powerful nations such as America, China, France, UK, etc.), and large-scale development projects. According to UNHCR, refugees are people who have international cross-border. In contrast, internally displaced persons must stay within their own country and stay under the protection of their government, even if the government is the reason for their displacement. However, there is little protection for these people. The purpose of this study is to investigate Internally Displaced Persons in Liberia and to understand how nation-states are protecting them. The research draws on 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in English/Koloqua, Bandi, and Gbande with internally displaced persons and non-government organizations in Voinjama, Lofa county. Even though there were some differences in the answers gathered collected, almost every IDP interviewed ended their session by beseeching the United Nations to come to their aid, especially in areas such as healthcare and education for their children. Internally displaced persons have and continue to face severe hardships of fundamental human rights. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken by the Liberian government and the international communities to give assistance and support to those who have been forcibly displaced.

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