Operations

2016 Plan Summary

UNHCR’s activities in Mali are implemented in a very complex context, with serious conflict and emergency related challenges. The humanitarian operating environment in the North remains volatile and security is fragile. Humanitarian access to populations of concern, particularly for international staff, remains restricted, impeding the effective delivery of assistance.
 
Despite the volatile security conditions, tripartite agreements for the voluntary repatriation of Malian refugees have been signed with the Governments of Burkina Faso and Niger. However, the ongoing insecurity has hampered a large return operation to the North. Renewed clashes between April and August 2015 have deterred some Malian refugees from returning home. With the signing of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in June 2015, the roadmap for an inclusive peace process remains an important challenge, in particular in the areas of security and social and political support.
 
UNHCR’s return and reintegration strategy targets 16 localities in the North. In this context, the Office will focus on solutions-oriented planning and results, and strengthen synergies between protection, social cohesion and solutions, working with all stakeholders to support community-based and peaceful coexistence interventions.
 
The Government has granted refugees – originating mainly from Mauritania – access to legal and social economic integration and allowed refugees to settle in host communities. The Government has also issued birth certificates for 6,500 refugee children and given refugees access to education and health services. UNHCR’s refugee programme in 2016 will emphasize strengthening access to the refugee status determination procedure and supporting local integration. The Office will also advocate for the inclusion of refugees into the national development plan.