New book documents struggles of Liberian refugees and IDPs

The plight of Liberian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been explored in a new book that will be launched in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, on Friday. "A Life Removed: Hunting for Refuge In the Modern World" by British author and journalist Rose George, focuses on what it means to suddenly be made a modern-day refugee or IDP. She researched it by talking to displaced people in Liberia and refugees in camps in Cote d’Ivoire. The book, published by Penguin, details interviews with a cross section of Liberians of all ages and backgrounds. It tells how they tried to hold together their shattered lives and families during 14 years of civil war. "Being a refugee could happen to any one and it is a terrible thing to go through. No one wants to be a refugee,” George told IRIN. “I hope that the book will have an impact on politicians, policy makers and the general public to make them more sympathetic towards refugees and IDPs and make the world a safer place to live," George stressed. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the book will go to the International Rescue Committee, a US-based relief organisation which works with Liberian refugees and IDPs.