New project to benefit over 5,000 vulnerable Rwandans

At least 5,000 returnees and some vulnerable nationals are set to benefit from a Japan-funded project to be implemented by International Organisation for Migration (IOM).The project, “Enhancing socio-economic reintegration of Rwandan returnees and other vulnerable groups,” will be implemented in phases and see returnees obtain vocational and technical training skills and micro-business start-ups, livestock assistance as well as construction materials, including iron sheets.The beneficiaries will be drawn from ten districts in Western, Southern and Northern provinces. This is the fourth phase of the general project to reintegrate Rwandans returning from different countries. The project also intends to rehabilitate some infrastructure such as primary schools and health posts in communities where the returnees are being resettled.While launching the phase IV of the project, Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs minister Seraphine Mukantabana said this signifies how returnees are assisted in the reintegration process.“It has come at the right time, especially as we prepare for the implementation of Cessation Clause; we already involved in reintegration process, we need even those who are still refugees not to worry about their lives once they return,” she said.The UNHCR Cessation Clause, which will come into force on June 30, implies that beyond this date, all Rwandan refugees will lose their status. Rwandans who fled between 1959 and December 31, 1998, must either voluntarily return home or apply for citizenship in their host countries.While more than 3.4 million refugees have voluntarily returned since 1994, an estimated 70,000 are still living on foreign lands, mainly on the African continent.Impact of the projectSince 2010, about 8,300 returnees and other vulnerable Rwandans have been provided with direct reintegration assistance to secure sustainable livelihood.More than 2600 beneficiaries were trained in vocational skills in carpentry, masonry, tailoring, mechanics, hairdressing and other market-driven skills.More than 4500 beneficiaries received assistance in livestock farming though provision of cows, sheep goats and pigs. Around 1300 households received construction materials.Catherine Northing, the IOM-Rwanda Chief of Mission, said they will continue collaborating with the government in the reintegration process.“We are happy to collaborate with the Rwandan government in providing assistance to the returnees and vulnerable Rwandans and we shall continue as more refugees return home,” Northing said.She said the one year project will cost $3 million (about Rwf1.9 billion).

National

New project to benefit over 5,000 vulnerable Rwandans