The addendum to the original Memorandum of Understanding, dated September 10, 2019, was signed on Thursday, August 22, 2024, and ensures that the ETM in Rwanda will continue until December 31, 2025.
Ambassador Charles Karamba, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the African Union, represented Rwanda at the signing ceremony.
In a joint statement, Rwanda, the AU, and the UN refugee agency emphasized that the extension reaffirms their commitment to providing protection and seeking durable solutions for those evacuated, offering them a safe haven in Rwanda.
"The Government of Rwanda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to receive and protect these individuals, as well as others identified as particularly vulnerable and at-risk," the statement reads in part.
The parties disclosed that the second addendum emphasizes a more transparent selection process for evacuees, ensuring equal opportunities for all potential candidates regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, age, or any criteria other than their vulnerability.
The agreement also reinforces and strengthens information-sharing and reporting mechanisms between UNHCR, the Government of Rwanda, and the African Union in the implementation of solutions for evacuated individuals. It seeks to expand comprehensive efforts to find alternative durable solutions for evacuees who do not qualify for refugee status and are not willing to request a longer stay in Rwanda, including exploring options such as voluntary return, resettlement, family reunification, and access to other solutions in third countries.
Additionally, the second addendum reiterates the commitment of all parties to undertake bi-annual joint monitoring missions to inspect the entire process, thereby ensuring transparency and continuous improvement of the ETM operations.
As part of the agreement, the African Union Commission committed to continuing to provide high-level political support, capacity development, and resource mobilization, as well as enhancing joint coordination mechanisms.
Meanwhile, UNHCR will continue to provide protection and necessary assistance, including shelter, food, healthcare, and other essential services for evacuees during their stay in Rwanda.
Since the emergency evacuation mechanism was established more than four years ago, a total of 2,355 refugees and asylum seekers from Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Mali have been evacuated from Libya in 18 flights.
According to the parties, a total of 1,813 refugees have been resettled in third countries, finding a lasting solution to their displacement.
'UNHCR and the Rwandan authorities will continue to conduct individual registration of all evacuated individuals and issue Proof of Registration (POR) documents that allow them to travel within the country and access assistance provided at the center,' the statement added.
Both the AUC and UNHCR have called on other countries to follow Rwanda's example in providing a safe haven for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
