Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Monrovia (Fides Service)- In February the programme for voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees in west African countries organised by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees UNHCR topped the 50,000 mark with an average of 250 a day.
So far since it started the operation in 2004UNHCR has helped 52,000 Liberians repatriate. Many other refugees have returned without UN assistance. A total 350,000 refugees and internally displaced persons received direct assistance to leave refugee camps and urban centres in which they were living. Last month’s positive developments in Liberia led UNHCR to evolve its activity: instead of assisting repatriation, the agency is actively promoting and organising the voluntary return of 180,000 Liberians living outside their country.
UNHCR foresees that in 2006 as many as 100,000 refugees will return to Liberia. UNHCR transports registered refugees by air, sea and land and supplies them on arrival with food, cooking utensils and money for transport. Lasting and sustainable re-integration remains the principal priority.
The Agency and its partners also have reintegration programmes to improve the capacity of local communities to receive the returning refugees. These programmes include rebuilding homes, roads water collection points, schools, hospitals and also programmes of orientation and formation. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/3/2006 righe 23 parole 258)
