Sudanese refugees return home

Apr 03, 2007

THE United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) has resumed the repatriation of South Sudanese refugees from Uganda’s West Nile region, six weeks after the operation was suspended because of a meningitis outbreak.

By Charles Ariko

THE United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) has resumed the repatriation of South Sudanese refugees from Uganda’s West Nile region, six weeks after the operation was suspended because of a meningitis outbreak.

The exercise began after the vaccination of about 400,000 Sudanese against meningitis by Medecins Sans Frontiers, a non-governmental organisation operating in the region.

In a statement issued last week, UNHCR said 13 trucks carrying 600 refugees left West Nile for the eastern Equatorial region.

According to the statement, UN agencies have cleared unexploded bombs and landmines from one of the routes used for delivering humanitarian aid to South Sudan.

UNHCR officials noted that the refugees were returning slowly because of logistical problems within Uganda, lack of infrastructure and basic services for them when they reach home.

“The journey is risky and includes crossing the Nile on a dilapidated ferry to avoid areas plagued by armed bandits,” the statement said.

UNHCR has helped almost 7,000 Sudanese refugees return home from Uganda and registered more than 16,000 others who went back on their own.

The repatriation is part of wider efforts to promote returns after the signing of the 2005 agreement to end the 21-year civil war between north and south Sudan.

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