asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the decision of the United Nations Refugee Agency to begin the voluntary repatriation of Ugandan refugees in Zambia.[HL3854]

The repatriation of 200 Ugandan refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is being carried out at the request of the refugees themselves. The UNHCR, the Governments of Zambia and Uganda and the refugees have concluded that the current political, economic and social conditions in Uganda allow for the repatriation to take place. While we have no reasons to disagree with this assessment it will be important that the reintegration process in Uganda is monitored to ensure its success. As is the case with all returning refugees, the UNHCR will monitor for at least six months to ensure a successful reintegration in Uganda.

The repatriation process will be guided by the principles that refugee repatriation should be voluntary and be carried out under conditions of safety and dignity, as required under international refugee law.