UNHCR Handbook for Emergencies - UNHCR eCentre

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Situation
Voluntary repatriation operations, even when planned in advance, may have many of the
characteristics of an emergency, as defined in this Handbook. They often have to be organized
at short notice and require “an extraordinary response and exceptional measures”. Mass
unplanned repatriation, especially when carried out in less than optimum conditions can resemble
an emergency caused by a sudden influx of refugees.
Objectives
To seek permanent solutions for the problem of refugees by assisting with their voluntary repatriation
in safety and dignity and their successful and durable reintegration into their home
society.
Principles of Response
● The decision whether or not to return home belongs to the refugees. They should neither be
forced to return, nor prevented from doing so;
● The voluntary nature of the repatriation must be verified and safeguarded by UNHCR.
Action
● Deploy sufficient staff to collect information on the intentions of the returnees and to assess
whether the repatriation is voluntary or not;
● Collect information in the country of origin concerning the conditions for return, share this
information with the refugees;
● Define the nature of UNHCR’s involvement in the repatriation, communicate this to all staff,
and to governments and other agencies as appropriate;
● Provide assistance to returnees on the way home and upon arrival, if required, in line with the
nature of UNHCR’s involvement in the repatriation.