Sudan, Chad, & UNHCR Sign Framework Agreement on Refugees Return

Voluntary Return and Resettlement Commission of the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) disclosed that it is conducting intensive efforts to facilitate the return of Sudanese refugees from Chad.
Return Commissioner Azhari Shatta said that, DRA represented in the Voluntary Return and Resettlement Commission has become responsible for the refugees dossier, pointing out that the former meetings brought together the governments of Sudan and Chad in addition to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
He said that for the first time since the ratification of DDPD on July 14th 2012, the DRA takes part in a periodic meeting to discuss the conditions of the refugees and the means of returning them.
In a special statement to (Sudan Vision) Azhari said that the commission has taken part in the last meeting held in the Chadian town of Abbeche, pointing out that next October was set as a final date for convening a final meeting to finalize the refugees dossier and determine each party's responsibilities and authorities according the DDPD.
Shatta said that the meeting has –and for the first time- allowed the government and the refugees commission to meet the refugees and listen to their opinions and suggestions in what relates to the return issue, explaining that a refugee delegation took part in the meeting and delivered a memorandum that included their understanding of the issues of return which included: maintaining security and providing necessary services such as health, education, and water.
Azhari confirmed that the refugees' status is stable on the security and humanitarian levels, a goal achieved with the help of the Chadian government.
It is worth mentioning that the number of Sudanese refugees in Chad is 300 thousand in 12 camps, and the aforementioned visit is the first of its kind since the rebellion started in Darfur in 2003.
Shatta revealed that a framework agreement has been signed by the Refugees Commission, the Government of Chad, and UNHCR to facilitate the procedures of voluntary return of refugees to their areas in Darfur.