Friday 20 May 2011

UNHCR SETS DEADLINE FOR ANGOLAN REFUGEES’ REPATRIATION

UNITED Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has set September 30 as the deadline for Angolan refuges to repatriate to their country.
UNHCR Representative in Zambia Joyce Mends-Cole announced in a statement that Angolan refugees in Zambia wishing to repatriate with the assistance of UNHCR had only until end of September 2011 to do so, following the recommencement of the organized Angolan repatriation.
She said that the need for clarification had arisen due to a misinterpretation of the timelines for cessation of refugee status for Angolans – 31 December, 2011 - and voluntary repatriation – end September 2011
Mends-Cole said the Angolan voluntary repatriation which recommences on 1 June would only be for four months up to the end September 2011 due to weather circumstances.
Refugees participating in the repatriation will benefit from transport assistance and a reintegration package provided by the Angolan Executive.
“The Fifth Tripartite meeting between the Zambian government, the Executive of Angola and UNHCR was held in Livingstone from 1 to 2 April 2011 on the repatriation of Angolan refugees. As a result, the organized repatriation of Angolan refugees from Zambia starts on 1 June 2011 and ends on 30 September 2011,” read the statement.

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