IOM's return operation of Angolan refugees
from camps in Zambia to Angola's Central and Eastern provinces is being
stepped up ahead of the rainy season, which is expected to start in the
coming weeks.
"Over the past couple of months,
more and more Angolan refugees have approached IOM and UNHCR requesting
assistance to return to their homes in Angola," says IOM Lusaka Chief
of Mission Josiah Ogina. "This is why we have intensified the pace
of our return operation from Mongu, in Zambia's Eastern province. Currently,
we have two IOM chartered aircrafts operating four flights a day, six days
a week. This is in addition to our weekly land convoy from Maheba camp
in the Northwestern province to Cazombo in Eastern Angola."
So far this year, IOM Zambia has provided air and land transportation to 15,317 refugees, bringing to 61,000 the total number of refugees who have returned from Zambia since the launch of the operation in 2003.
Upon arrival, each returnee is provided with enough food rations, seeds and tools to help them resume farming activities in time for the next harvest in February 2006. IOM also promotes sustainable income generating activities for returnees, including agriculture, food processing, beekeeping, fishing, oil extraction from seeds, and the production of construction materials and other goods and services.
These returns are part of UNHCR's regional plan of action for the voluntary repatriation of Angolan refugees from neighbouring countries. To assist refugees to return home, IOM has received funding from ECHO, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the USA and UNHCR.
For more information contact Josiah Ogina, IOM Lusaka, Tel +260 1 25 40 55, Email jogina@iom.int