(UNHCR) As part of the ongoing voluntary repatriation process of Chadian refugees from two refugee camps in Central Darfur that commenced last December 2017, UNHCR and COR continue to assist Chadian refugees to return to their home country. So far, UNHCR and COR have supported 3,518 Chadian refugees, out of 8,400 refugees, to return in safety and dignity.
Convoys to transport the refugees to Moudeina, Chad, are departing from Um Shalaya refugee camp in Central Darfur every few days. The last convoy departed on 29 March and transported 330 refugees, and the next convoy is scheduled on 7 April 2018 from Mukjar camp, where all 477 refugees are registered to return. Thereafter the camp will be closed.
By the start of the rainy season in June, UNHCR plans to assist another 1,000 refugees to return to Chad. Refugees undergo medical screening and receive return packages prior to their departure from Central Darfur. Transportation is then provided to the refugees, along with their belongings and livestock to a reception centre in Moudeina, in eastern Chad, where they receive further reintegration assistance by UNHCR, the Government of Chad, and partners.
“After more than 10 years of exile in Sudan, UNHCR is pleased to provide Chadian refugees with solutions to their displacement”, said Ms. Noriko Yoshida, UNHCR Representative in Sudan.
The voluntary repatriation of Chadian refugees follows the signing of a tri-partite agreement in May 2017 between UNHCR and the Governments of Sudan and Chad, outlining key considerations for return.
“UNHCR is supporting both governments to ensure that refugees are well prepared for the return and reintegration process and that both their legal and physical protection needs are met”, added Ms Yoshida. “We also wish to extend our appreciation to the Government of Sudan and the host communities for their generosity towards the refugees”.
After the outbreak of violence in Chad from 2005 to 2007, Darfur has hosted refugees from Chad, with the majority now opting to return to their home country as a durable solution.
Those who remain in Darfur will continue to benefit from the principles of international protection. UNHCR and partners will continue to provide services and assistance in the camps in 2018.