KIGALI, Sep. 24 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Wednesday received 314 people who were voluntarily repatriated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Rwandan Ministry in charge of Emergency Management said in a statement that the returnees, comprising 101 families, will be temporarily sheltered at the Nyarushishi Transit Center in the western district of Rusizi for registration and repatriation procedures, including arrangements to ensure a safe and dignified return.
It said the government has established comprehensive reintegration programs to support the sustainable settlement of returnees, including access to education for children, healthcare coverage, and other services that foster social cohesion with other communities.
The ministry reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the reintegration of returnees, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Prosper Mulindwa, mayor of Rubavu District, urged the returnees to participate in development projects in their communities aimed at fighting poverty, adding that after years outside the country, everyone's contribution is needed for nation-building.
More than 4,000 Rwandans have returned from the DRC since January, according to the ministry.
In July, Rwanda, the DRC, and the UNHCR signed an agreement to respect the right of refugees to return to their countries of origin voluntarily. ■