A House with Two Rooms - The Advocates for Human Rights

eflect its history and people. Such steps may include re-naming streets, public
buildings and institutions; changing the national seal; changing or creating national
days and holidays; and ensuring historical accounts more accurately reflect the
contributions of all people.
o The government of Liberia should take steps to facilitate inter-tribal reconciliation
through activities that bring different tribes together, such as social and sporting
events.
united StateS & international community action
• The U.S. government should take immediate steps to allow Liberians registered under
Deferred Enforced Departure status to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
• The U.S. government should take legislative and administrative steps to facilitate family
reunification and respect the right to a family by revisiting denials of refugee resettlement
applications and other family reunification petitions based on DNA evidence and by passing
the Child Citizen Protection Act. The U.S. government should ensure that its definition of a
“child” includes those children adopted under traditional, non-formal laws in Liberia.
• The U.S. government should ensure that Liberians in the United States can access health care
that is culturally appropriate. Such services should take into account the specific Liberian
context. For example, the government should expand federal funding for torture treatment
and support programs that offer health services to former combatants and others who may
be excluded because of their fighting status. Addressing mental health needs is a priority, and
such efforts should include public education to overcome any stigmatization and the training
of Liberian mental health workers.
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Chapter Two