Kigali - A total of 782 Rwandan returnees, majority of whom came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are advancing today after successfully completing a five-month practical skills training programme carried out under the framework of the “One United Nations” Sustainable Return and Reintegration Programme.

The returnees are being honoured by IOM and Rwanda’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) in Karongi District, 153 kilometres from Kigali.

Between January and June 2015, the returnees and other vulnerable groups received hands-on skills training through a reintegration programme carried out by IOM in collaboration with  MIDIMAR and funded by the Government of Sweden through the “One United Nations” framework.

Beneficiaries have also received from IOM business start-up kits, after successfully completing the training programme that sought to enhance their skills on employability and entrepreneurship.

Participants who also include vulnerable members from host communities were drawn from ten MIDIMAR priority districts, namely Bugesera, Karongi, Musanze, Ngororero, Nyabihu, Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Rusizi and Rutsiro.

“After their graduation, they will enter the labor market. It is an exciting opportunity for the beneficiaries because it supports them to become economically independent,” said the IOM Chief of Mission for Rwanda, Catherine Northing.

Through this project, 388 beneficiaries received training in tailoring, 36 in mechanics, 117 in welding, 92 in carpentry, 35 in masonry, 75 in hairdressing, 18 in knitting, 10 in handicrafts, six in shoemaking and five in photography.

Over three million former Rwandan refugees have returned home since the tragic genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. An additional 15,000 have returned as result of ongoing instability in the DRC and in response to the Cessation Clause of the refugee status which came into force in June 2013. By the end of 2015, 8,000 more refugees are expected to return as a new sensitization campaign could increase the willingness for voluntary repatriation.

With limited resources and livelihood skills, most of these returnees are in great need of help. Building on its experience and lessons learned, IOM is seeking for funding to extend its assistance, particularly with regard to skills training, as part of the coordinated effort within the One United Nations.

For further information, please contact Eriko Nishimura, IOM Rwanda, Tel: +250 252 586710, Email: enishimura@iom.int