IOM Provides Livestock to Vulnerable Rwandan Returnees

GENEVA, Switzerland, January 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Vulnerable Rwandan returnees from neighbouring countries have received a consignment of livestock from IOM to boost their livelihoods and help them to reintegrate in Nyamagabe District in southern Rwanda.

With funding from Japan, IOM is assisting over 5,000 returnees who previously sought refuge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi due to conflict.

Some returnees have been trained as mechanics, carpenters and bakers, while others have received roofing materials. A total of 1,512 vulnerable returnees have been identified and based on their needs, are currently receiving goats, sheep or pigs.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) Antoine Ruvebana said, “Over 3.5 million Rwandan refugees have come back to Rwanda since 1994. Some 6,500 returned in 2013. IOM in partnership with MIDIMAR launched the reintegration program in 2010 and to date has assisted over 13,415 individuals.”

Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda Mr. Tomio Sakamoto said: “Consolidation of peace is one of the important policy pillars of Japan’s assistance to Africa. Japan has contributed to the socio-economic reintegration projects implemented by IOM in Rwanda since 2009 because we believe that the socio-economic reintegration of the target groups is a key factor for peace, social stability, and economic growth for Rwanda.”

The current phase the IOM project started in March 2013 and will end in March 2014. It targets individuals who have returned since 2009 in 10 priority districts: Gisagara, Huye, Karongi, Musanze, Nyabihu, Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru, Rubavu and Rutsiro.

“Returnees are struggling to settle down and are in dire need of social and economic development opportunities. IOM will continue to work closely with the Government of Rwanda in providing livelihood support for their successful reintegration,” said IOM Rwanda Chief of Mission Catherine Northing.