TNAG-0975-FCO40-1194-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-in-other--1980 — Page 109

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10.

In Africa, where voluntary repatriation has proved a particularly important solution for refugee problems, the Office was instrumental in facilitating the return of many thousands of refugees to Angola, Guinea Bissau and Mozambique following the attainment of independence by these countries. The Office also co-operated with the authorities of Zaire in regard to the return of some 150,000 Zairians pursuant to an amnesty declared by a presidential announcement in June 1978. Furthermore, the Office is currently undertaking a large-scale programme for the repatriation and rehabilitation of Ugandan refugees and is also co-operating with the Government of Ethiopia in the return of a number of Ethiopian refugees from neighbouring countries and assisting in their rehabilitation. In the most recent example of large-scale repatriation in Africa, UNHCR was involved in an operation for the return of some 200,000 Zimbabweans to their home country. UNHCR was appointed co-ordinator of this repatriation programme and thereafter at the request of the newly- independent Government of Zimbabwe has been entrusted with the task of co-ordinating for a certain period a United Nations programme for the rehabilitation of returning refugees and displaced persons within Zimbabwe..

11.

In Asia, the Office co-operated with the Governments concerned in arranging for the repatriation to Burma of some 200,000 refugees returning from Bangladesh and in assisting with their reintegration in the country. of origin. The Office is currently in contact with the authorities of the Lao People's Democratic Republic with regard to the creation of conditions which might encourage the further return of refugees and displaced persons from that country presently in Thailand.

12.

In Latin America, the Office participated in a programme for the large-scale repatriation to and reintegration in Nicaragua of some 80,000 Nicaraguan refugees.

Specific questions which arise when seeking to facilitate voluntary repatriation

(a) Ensuring that refugees are informed about conditions in their

country of origin

13. The decision of refugees to repatriate may of course be greatly facilitated by the availability of adequate information on the situation prevailing in their country of origin. The Office therefore welcomes arrangements whereby such information can be made available to refugees. The importance of encouraging voluntary repatriation through the provision of the necessary information to refugees is expressly recognized in the OAU Refugee Convention. Thus Article V, paragraph 4, provides specifically that "... whenever necessary, an appeal shall be made through national information media and through the Administrative Secretary-General of the OAU, inviting refugees to return home and giving. assurance that the new circumstances prevailing in their country of origin will enable them to return without risk and to take up a normal and peaceful life without fear of being disturbed or punished, and that the text of such appeal should be given to refugees and clearly explained to them by their country of asylum. "'

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