LUSAKA, Zambia — (BG), The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in partnership with the Zambian government and other organizations, has launched the second phase of voluntary repatriation for Congolese refugees residing in northern Zambia.

On Friday, November 15, a convoy of 169 Congolese refugees, comprising 60 families, departed from Mantapala settlement in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province, heading to Pweto in the Haut-Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UNHCR said in a statement on Monday.

“Voluntary repatriation is a demonstration of our commitment to support refugees forced to flee violence in their countries to find lasting solutions,” said Preeta Law, the UNHCR representative in Zambia. “Working with the government, UNHCR is supporting these individuals return home safely and in dignity and to successfully reintegrate into their communities back home.”

The initiative stems from a 2006 tripartite agreement between UNHCR and the governments of Zambia and the DRC. Mantapala settlement currently houses approximately 9,129 Congolese refugees, part of the 106,136 forcibly displaced people living in Zambia, including 67,096 from the DRC.

Before departure, government agencies, led by Zambia’s Office of the Commissioner for Refugees (COR), ensured families were prepared for the journey. Preparations included conducting Best Interest Determination processes for unaccompanied children, compiling travel manifests, and providing legal support and counselling.

Vulnerable individuals received tailored assistance, while families underwent immigration clearance, health, screenings and received children’s school certificates to ensure continuity of education.

Working alongside COR, the District Joint Operations Committee coordinated logistics and issued Voluntary Return documents to facilitate border crossings. UNHCR’s sister agency, the World Food Programme, supported the effort by providing cash assistance to returning families, ensuring they had the resources to meet immediate needs.

Upon arrival in the DRC, returnees will receive civil documentation, cash support for basic needs, and assistance enrolling children in school. These measures are designed to ease the transition back to their home communities and support their long-term reintegration.

This voluntary repatriation program underscores the collaborative efforts of UNHCR, the Zambian government, and partners to ensure refugees can return home safely, rebuild their lives, and contribute to their communities.