📋 Tender Overview
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in collaboration with the Zambian government and partners, organized the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees living in northern Zambia to their homes in Pweto in the Haut Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
On Friday, November 15, 2024, a convoy carrying 169 Congolese refugees (60 families) departed from Mantapala settlement in Nchelenge District, Luapula province, heading to Pweto in the DRC.
Ms. Preeta Law, the UNHCR Representative in Zambia, stated, “Voluntary repatriation is a demonstration of our commitment to support refugees forced to flee violence in their countries to find lasting solutions. Working with the government UNHCR is supporting these individuals return home safely and in dignity and to successfully reintegrate into their communities back home.”
The voluntary repatriation is based on a tripartite agreement signed in 2006 by UNHCR and the governments of Zambia and the DRC.
Currently, Mantapala settlement hosts approximately 9,129 Congolese refugees of the 106,136 forcibly displaced people living in Zambia, with around 67,096 from the DRC.
Before departure from Mantapala settlement, government agencies led by the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees (COR) assist refugees by conducting Best Interest Determination processes (BIDs) for the unaccompanied children; generating manifests for individuals and their luggage; and offering legal support and counselling to families. COR coordinates with government departments through the District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC), which assists with the handover of Voluntary Return documents to the DRC. Additionally, COR – working with various departments – supports vulnerable persons with specific needs during the journey, conducts counselling before departure, expedites immigration clearance, health screenings, and school certificates for children.
UNHCR’s sister UN agency, the World Food Programme (WFP), assists with cash payments for those returning voluntarily to their country.
Upon their arrival in the DRC, returnees will receive civil documentation and cash assistance for basic needs and livelihoods, including support for children's school enrolment.
