CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC-SUDAN: First batch of Sudanese returnees arrive home

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

KHARTOUM, 7 Feb 2006 (IRIN) - The first batch of 10,000 Sudanese refugees who have lived in the Central African Republic (CAR) for 16 years arrived home this week following a recent agreement between the two governments and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

"The returnees are eager to reunite with their families," Mai Hosoi, the public information officer for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said on Monday.

The tripartite agreement was signed on Wednesday in Bangui, capital of CAR.

IOM is arranging flights for the returnees, with the help of UNHCR and other organizations. Hosoi said the 50 refugees began returning home on Thursday with high expectations since they had been away for years.

"Skilled professionals such as nurses, teachers and agricultural technicians hope to find employment with NGOs or government departments and ministries.

"Farmers want to return in time for the planting season, clear their fields and rebuild their homes. The youth hope to find skills training opportunities to become drivers, technicians or start small businesses and children are eager to continue schooling in their home villages," he said.

At least half of the 10,000 Sudanese refugees now registered in CAR are due to return to Tambura and Yambio in Western Equatoria Province, from Mboki in CAR, within the next three months.

To ensure the successful reintegration into society on their return, NGOs are operating health programmes to treat endemic illnesses such guinea worm, leprosy and river blindness - all concerns among these communities as they return home.

UNHCR, IOM and other organizations have implemented programmes that would provide assistance with water, health, education, food security and income generation.

Hosoi said UNHCR was rehabilitating wells, boreholes and installing pumps in Western Equatoria. He said World Vision International was drilling new wells and that health facilities were also being rehabilitated.

"Both primary health care units and the maternity wards of hospitals, training and support to health staff is also provided," he said.

He added that plans were being made to remodel schools, provide teacher training and school supplies. Income generating schemes to empower women were also being set up along with skills training and road rehabilitation.

"These activities are complemented by programmes that aim to reach both spontaneous returnees and receiving communities and are supported by independent funding sources," Hosoi said.

[ENDS]