By Moise M. Bahati
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has announced that a total of 6,600 refugees were successfully resettled from Rwanda to third countries in 2023. This significant milestone was marked by the departure of 13 refugees on a flight to Toronto, Canada, on Wednesday, November 8. The IOM reported that this brings the total number of refugees resettled from Rwanda to 30,000 since 2010.
Among the resettled refugees are close to 1,300 asylum seekers who were evacuated from Libyan detention centres through an emergency transit mechanism established between the Rwandan government and the United Nations refugee agency.
As of the end of September, Rwanda hosted over 135,000 refugees, with the majority originating from DR Congo and Burundi, as reported by the UN. It was noted that over 90 per cent of these refugees are residing in camps.
According to the IOM, the resettlement programme serves as a “durable solution” for refugees and individuals in need of international protection.
IOM’s Rwanda Chief of Mission, Ash Carl, emphasised the significance of resettlement by stating, “Resettlement provides international protection for the most vulnerable people in our world, as well as a chance for them to build new lives. We will continue to work closely with the government and our partners in Rwanda, as well as the governments of the countries of destination, to ensure refugees and migrants have safe and dignified pathways to successfully integrate into their new communities.”
The resettlement process encompasses IOM-facilitated interviews by third countries, health assessments, screening and referral, pre-departure cultural orientation, and safe transport and reception in the country of final destination.
Phillipe Habinshuti, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, affirmed the Rwandan government’s support for the resettlement programme. He articulated, “Resettlement is one of the three solutions for refugees that our government supports. Refugees in Rwanda can return to their home countries when peace and security have been restored. They may choose to stay in Rwanda or opt for resettlement in third countries that are willing to take them in.”
The resettlement programme has been available in Rwanda since 1998, and despite being managed by the IOM, Habinshuti underscored that Rwanda ensures it aligns with the country’s immigration laws.
In conclusion, the successful resettlement of over 6,000 refugees from Rwanda in 2023 underscores Rwanda’s commitment towards providing lasting solutions for refugees, while also highlighting the collaborative efforts of international organisations and governments in facilitating the safe and dignified integration of refugees into their new communities.
