PRESS RELEASE

Kigali, 7^th July, 2022 – Yesterday, the Government of Rwanda has received a total of 103 returnees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo - DRC. They are currently hosted in Kijote Reception Centre located in Nyabihu District, Bigogwe Sector, where they will receive return assistance including support funds, food items for three months, registration for national identity card and community-based health insurance for one year.  

More returnees are expected to arrive via Rusizi border on July 8^th, 2022. From 1994 over 3.5 million Rwandan refugees had returned home and reintegrated in the country (with the rest of the communities) successfully. For the last five years, Rwanda received 15,643 returnees mainly from the DRC and both Governments worked on the readiness to facilitate safe and dignified return in close collaboration with the UNHCR offices in both countries even after the activation of the cessation clause for Rwandan refugees. However, the decision to return is an individual decision and the Government of Rwanda commends the usual collaboration between regional countries in partnership with UNHCR.

Since 2009, Rwanda has successfully implemented the Comprehensive Solutions Strategy (CSS) for Rwandan refugee situation where the vast majority was in DRC. Since 2010, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs in collaboration with various partners have implemented the “Enhancing Socio-Economic Opportunities for Rwandan Returnees and other Vulnerable Groups” project. Furthermore, the Sustainable Return and Reintegration of Rwandan Returnees” programme launched in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and UNHCR has been assisting Rwandan returnees to integrate into the society and has allowed them to enjoy all rights as well as available development programs just like any other Rwandan.   

The Government of Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to ensure the safety and sustainable reintegration of all returnees. The Government will also continue to work with various partners, including neighbouring countries and UN agencies in finding possible solutions to improving the wellbeing of all refugees living in Rwanda as well as finding long-term and durable solutions for them.

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