1. DURABLE SOLUTIONS

2. Durable Solutions Refugee status is temporary
Durable solutions widely recognized are:
Voluntary Repatriation
Local Integration
Resettlement

3. Voluntary Repatriation
It is the most preferred solution
It is possible only when the situation in the country of origin has improved
It has to be voluntary – Refugees have to be willing to return
Safety and dignity needs to be observed during the process.

4. Plan for integration in the home country must be in place to avoid multiple flights future conflicts (access to land, schools, health care etc).
Information to refugees is important.

5. Local Integration Involves integration refugees in the host community
Integration must be both social and economical
Human Rights must be observed
Example: Naturalization of about 162, Burundian Refugees in Old settlements

6. Resettlement Involves resettling a refugee in a third country
It is available to very few refugees (less than 1%)
It is always resorted to when the other two options seem to be impossible.
Resettlement countries set criteria such as:
Single women heads of households
Refugees with health problems or disabilities

7. Relevant provisions of the law
VolRep
S.34 of the Refugees Act
Art. 8 (c) of the Statute of the UNHCR
Art. 5 of the OAU Convention
Art 9 of the Statute of the UNHCR

8. Relevant Law … Local Integration
Art. 34 of the 1951 Convention – Naturalization
Art. 8 (c) of the Statute of the UNHCR – Local Integration/Assimilation within new national communities
Art. 2 (4) of the OAU Convention – State part may appeal to other member states to lighten the burden of granting asylum.

9. Relevant Law … Resettlement S. 36 of the Refugees Act
Art 9 of the Statute of the UNHCR

10. Discussion Question
How does the encampment policy promotes the finding of durable solution?