Voluntary Repatriation

Nicolas, 52, shows a sign of appreciation to his friends and neighbours before climbing into the truck to meet his family. "Some of our neighbors will stay here, and they tell me if I'm not scared of returning. But for me it's a joy for us to have the opportunity to return." 11,000 out of the 38,000 Ivorian refugees living in Liberia's three refugee camps have expressed their willingness to return home immediately.

Millions of refugees dream of going home. As the durable solution of choice for the largest number of refugees, voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity requires the full commitment of the country of origin to help reintegrate its own people.

It also needs the continuing support of the international community through the crucial post-conflict phase to ensure that those who make the brave decision to go home can rebuild their lives in a stable environment.

Our priorities are to promote enabling conditions for voluntary repatriation, to ensure the exercise of a free and informed choice, and to mobilize support for returnees. In practice, we promote and facilitate voluntary repatriation through various means, including organizing "go-and-see" visits for refugees, compiling updated information on their country and region of origin, engaging in peace and reconciliation activities, promoting housing and property restitution, and providing return assistance and legal aid to returnees.