UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

31 December 2010 - The security situation in northern Uganda remains calm and many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are returning or have returned to their home villages. Despite the large scale return of many displaced populations in the country, the sustainability of these returns is in question. Reintegration into communities is still an ongoing and fragile process that will require time and support, in order to consolidate and achieve durable solutions. Several factors continue to affect return movements and the sustainability of reintegration, such as inadequate access to water, scarce livelihoods opportunities, minimal food security, remote health and educational services, as well as insufficient law and order structures in areas of return, as well as disputes over land and property. With CIDA support, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is addressing the basic needs of refugees, internally displaced populations, and returnees in Uganda. Activities focus on: advocating for durable solutions, providing livelihoods support, and improving access to basic services, including water, healthcare, shelter and sanitation; promoting self-reliance, as well as strengthening access to protection for urban refugees; monitoring progress on local integration for returned IDPs; and supporting the creation of an environment which is conducive to voluntary return in safety and dignity and which reduces the risks of further displacement.