The plight of Liberian refugees in Sierra Leone requires urgent response.

Due to intense conflict in Liberia over 13000 registered refugees as well as an estimated 7000 unregistered Liberians arrived in Sierra Leone. Humanitarian workers expect more Liberians to cross Sierra Leone but the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) has not received adequate funding for even the current caseload. To maintain border security UNHRC transported approximately 6000 refugees out of Kailahun District and into camps since June 2001 and continues to move thousands each week. However many refugees remained in the district and live among Sierra Leoneans of the same ethnic group which has resulted in tensions between Liberians and Sierra Leoneans. In this respect humanitarian workers state that more protection is needed around the camps. Refugees International noted that refugees requested educational opportunities and skills training. Hence to address the needs of Liberian refugees recommendations from Refugees International are presented.