EC/SCP/13 page 5
14.
Mention should also be made of the consideration given to the question of dissemination of information regarding conditions in countries of origin by the Arusha Conference in 1979. In stressing the importance of voluntary repatriation as a solution to refugee problems, the Conference recommended 1/ that appeals for repatriation and related guarantees given by countries of origin should be made known by every possible means to refugees and displaced persons.
15. In order to ensure that refugees are adequately informed,
it may also be an advantage if refugees or representatives of refugee groups are enabled to visit their country of origin with a view to gaining a first-hand impression of conditions there which may indeed be favourable to voluntary repatriation. Experience has shown that visits of this kind may certainly be instrumental in bringing about voluntary repatriation. While such visits are therefore to be encouraged, they must, of course, take place with the agreement of the authorities of both countries of asylum and of origin.
(b) Safety of repatriating refugees on their return and the related
question of amnesties
16.
Experience has shown that refugees may be reluctant to repatriate due to the fear that reprisals or other punitive measures may be taken against them on their return to their country of origin. This was the subject of a specific provision of the OAU Refugee Convention according to which "Refugees who voluntarily return to their country shall in no way be penalised for having left it for any of the reasons giving rise to refugee situations." (Article V, paragraph 4)
17.
The concern of refugees for their personal safety in the event of repatriation may be met by the granting of amnesties or the provision of formal assurances by the authorities of the countries concerned. Such amnesties or assurances may therefore be a positive factor in promoting voluntary repatriation. Several such amnesties have been issued in recent years, in different parts of the world, and have formed an essential element in the various large-scale repatriation operations with which UNHCR has been concerned.
18.
The observance of the terms of an amnesty is, of course, important not only for the returning refugee but also to ensure that the amnesty fulfils the function of generally encouraging voluntary repatriation. It may be mentioned here that in one specific situation UNHCR, in co-operation with the OAU, was given a specific role by a Government to ensure that the returning refugees were treated in accordance with the terms of the amnesty.
1/ A/AC.96/INF.158, paragraph 3