In South Central, UNHCR will continue to support and enhance projects to assist voluntary refugee returnees. Assistance provided in the three districts of return (Baidoa, Luuq and Kismayo), will be complemented by community-based peaceful coexistence projects, thanks to a joint effort among humanitarian, early recovery and development actors. Projects to construct and rehabilitate small infrastructures, such as water systems, schools, health facilities, roads, market places will also continue to be supported in 2015. Health and education services in areas of high return will be further reinforced and protection services will be further strengthened. Emphasis will also be placed on building central and local Government capacities. Co-ordination and advocacy with other actors at an early stage will help ensure a more sustainable re-integration. The office will adopt the same approach for IDP returnees.
In Somaliland, UNHCR will continue to process requests for voluntary repatriation in 2015 and liaise closely with other offices as well as Somaliland authorities. It should be noted that the sustainable voluntary return and reintegration of refugees and IDPs depends on certain contextual developments:
- The impact armed insurgent’s warfare tactics in South Central;
- The outcome of AMISOM/SNAF’s 2014 offensive in South Central;
- The continued Tripartite Agreement dialogue between Somalia and Kenya.