afrol News, 29 August - Over 400,000 Angolan refugees who had been directly affected by armed conflicts in the southern African state have safely returned home, since process of voluntary repatriation of refugees kicked off in 20 June 2003.

Most of refugees came from Democratic Republic of Congo (202.805), Zambia (186,950), Namibia (16,616), Congo (2,493), Botswana (481), Central African Republic (21), Zimbabwe (7), Mali (4), Ukraine (2), U.S.A (3), Mozambique, Cape Verde and Brazil with one each.

According to Angolan ministry of assistance and social welfare (MINARS), voluntary and organisation repatriation is one of priorities of Angolan government, after achieving peace, foreseeing safe and proper return of refugees, as well as securing and reintegration of population directly affected by armed conflicts.

Data published by UNHCR indicate that most Angolans, who sought refuge in neighbouring countries, were in Zambia and in DRC respectively.

All repatriates who transited through reception centres, before being transported to their final destinations, benefited from assistance from government of Angola and UNHCR, in attribution of basic foodstuffs for a period of three months.

It also included a package of reintegration comprising utensils, construction materials, tents, water reservoirs, blankets, agricultural inputs and seeds, among other goods.

The operation is also aimed at contribution to process of national reconciliation and stabilisation of the country, as well as standardisation and development of communities.

It was established in 2002 soon after signing of complementary memorandum to Lusaka Protocol, foreseeing return and resettlement of population.

Programme was co-ordinated by national commission for social and productive reintegration of demobilised soldiers and displaced, an organ created by presidential dispatch with goal of guaranteeing return and reintegration of population directly affected by the armed conflict.

In the framework of process, Angola government signed, in 2002, tripartite agreements with DRC, Republics of Congo, Namibia and Zambia, as well as UNHCR.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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