18 Aug 2016

The 18^th tripartite commission meeting on the voluntary repatriation of the Namibian refugees in Botswana , held in Katima Mulilo, Namibia on August 11, has agreed that the repatriation process be resumed.

A press release from the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security states that the Namibia delegation was led by Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, Ms Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, while Botswana delegation was led by Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi. 

On the other hand, UNHCR delegation was led by UNHCR regional representative for Southern Africa, Ms Sharon Cooper.

“Pursuant to the judgement by the High Court of Botswana, and the bilateral meeting between governments of Botswana and Namibia on July 12, 2016 in Gaborone, a decision was reached that the Commission restart the promotion of voluntary repatriation of the remaining Namibian refugees in Botswana,” the statement says. 

It states that the meeting noted and acknowledged efforts made by the Tripartite Commission in implementing resolutions of the Extra Ordinary meeting of May 11-12, 2015 and reiterated commitment to ensuring that the voluntary repatriation is conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Tripartite Agreement. 

Meanwhile, its states that the Tripartite Commission Meeting of August 11, 2016 agreed as follows: That considering the challenges faced during the previous exercise of the “Go and See” and “Come and Tell” Mission, the Tripartite Commission resolved that another exercise be undertaken and that all necessary processes be put in place to ensure its success.

That the dates for the “Go and See” and “Come and Tell” Mission will be communicated in due course.

That updated information on conditions of return to Namibia will be made available to the refugees in Dukwi to enable them to make an informed decision and ensure their return in safety and dignity.

That government of Botswana will continuously engage Namibian refugees at Dukwi Refugee Camp to encourage them to voluntarily repatriate.

The Tripartite Commission Meeting noted and commended the Namibian government for successfully integrating 21 returnees in safety and dignity since the invocation of the cessation clause.

The recommendations from the senior officials’ meeting of August 9-10, 2016 have been fully considered and endorsed and lastly all parties recommitted to continue cooperation and collaboration to ensure the successful promotion of voluntary repatriation of the Namibian refugees in Botswana. ENDS