Angolan Refugees Repatriation

According to UN reports* , remarkable efforts have been achieved already in the repatriation to Angola of nearly four million people, the bulk of them IDPs and refugees from neighbouring countries and as of the end of 2004 two-thirds of the returnees had been repatriated. UNHCR and the Government of Zambia intend to complete the repatriation of the remaining approximately 88,000 comprising 39,763 in camps and settlements, 79 in Lusaka, and estimated 49,000 spontaneously settled refugees.

This appeal is for the repatriation of the remaining Angolan refugees beginning this May. LWF/ZCRS Zambia has been caring for Angolan refugees for years in the Mayukwayukwa and Meheba Refugee Settlements and has also been involved in the repatriation of many Angolan refugees in Zambia. Many of these returnees will in fact be received in many areas were ACT member LWF Angola is currently implementing rehabilitation of basic infrastructure in the main areas of return, including schools, health posts and water points supported under recently issued ACT Appeal AFAO51.

Of all the ACT partners in Zambia, LWF/ZCRS is the only organisation that has for the past few years been directly involved in the care and maintenance of refugees in the refugee settlements of Mayukwayukwa and Meheba and has an existing agreement with the Government of Zambia. LWF/ZCRS is also the only ACT member in Zambia that has been officially requested by the Government of Zambia to assist in the repatriation of Angolan refugees. The ACT CO and LWF/ZCRS hope this will be their third and final appeal addressing the repatriation of Angolans who have been supported by two previous Appeals since 2003.

Name of ACT member/partner:
Lutheran World Federation (LWF)-Zambia Christian Refugee Service (ZCRS).

Project Completion Date: 30 April 2006

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested US$

Total Appeal Target(s): 820,976
Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 0
Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: 820,976

Amount expected directly from UNHCR to LWF-DWS Zambia for the repatriation is USD 81, 451. This will fall far below the actual needs of meeting the repatriation costs. LWF/ZCRS also plans to distribute to the returning refugees second hand clothing from an in kind donation from ACT member LWR worth approximately USD 50,000.

Signed by:

White Rakuba
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office