The process to officially end refugee status for Ivorya refugees took effect on June 30, marking the end of an era of displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
The development follows the peaceful resolution of two decades of continuous civil strife and political instability i
West African country.
Last month, UNHCR announced that the war in Ukraine, and other ongoing crises, have pushed the number of people forced to flee conflict and repression worldwide to exceed 100 million for the first time.
Come home
At a ceremony on Saturday in Abidjan chaired by the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, and attended by representatives and national ambassadors from host countries Ivory, Cao commission Filippo Grandi meet the families of former refugees and wish them well for their return home.
“For those of us at UNHCR, There is nothing better than witnessing the end of the exile. After two decades, Ivorian refugees can safely and properly return home. They are proud Ivorians – living and working in their communities or in neighboring countries,” he said.
“The return of hundreds of thousands of Ivorians proves to the region – and to the world – What can happen when there is political will to end violence and real cooperation between nations. ”
Some stay
Under the terms of the decommissioning agreement, host countries of Ivory refugees are encouraged to facilitate their voluntary repatriation, or, for the small number of Ivorians who have chosen to remain, to facilitate local integration, a path to permanent residency and naturalization.
UNHCR notes that Ivorians have fled the country in two different waves, following civil strife from 2002 to 2007, 2011 and 2012.
Thousands also fled to neighboring countries just two years ago, amid fears of violence related to presidential and parliamentary elections.
More than 310,000 Ivorian refugees, 96% of all registrants across West Africa, have chosen to return.
More than 11,000 of the 14,000 people who have returned this year have come from neighboring Liberia, where UNHCR is organizing a weekly shuttle for Ivorians looking to return home.
UNHCR says returning Ivorys may face challenges with reintegration and will need long-term help, but the Government has committed to supporting their reintegration and the local community is welcoming. they come back.
Grandi at the border
Grandi traveled to the Liberian border to accompany Ivorian refugees on the final leg of their journey home by ferry across the river that marks the border between the two countries.
Liberian authorities have officially passed on birth certificates to their Ivory counterparts, to ensure returnees can enroll their children in school, obtain national identification and register to vote. .
The High Commissioner pledges that UNHCR will continue to assist Côte d’Ivoire and host countries to implement the terms of the shutdown and assist all those wishing to return home.
