Shadows of Return: The Dilemma of Congolese Refugees in Rwanda
Published: 1 Jul 2011
Shadows of Return: The Dilemma of Congolese Refugees in Rwanda
Speculation is rife in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) surrounding the possible return of Congolese refugees currently living in Rwanda following the signing of a tripartite agreement between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the governments of Rwanda and the DRC in February 2010. Yet as with most rumours, there is currently little credible information about this group and their views and aspirations in relation to return.
In response, the International Refugee Rights Initiative has released a paper designed to move the discussion forward by injecting credible and concrete information about the situation of this group. Based on interviews with 52 refugees, the paper reflects the refugees’ strong desire to return home. The report also makes recommendations on actions that may be taken to promote the likelihood of a positive outcome.