Friday, November 7, 2008

400 Schwartzers want to go home....

"We are not discouraging camp residents to try reintegrating; rather, we ask that the government show sensitivity and understanding not force us to reintegrate when our people continue to be raped and murdered upon returning to the townships." The Joint Refugee Committee of the Western Cape open letter addressed to the provincial government, UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the SA Human Rights Commission.

The letter said there were about 280 refugees at Blue Waters camp and 140 refugees at Youngsfield camp waiting for interviews with UNHCR or International Organisation for Migration so they can be repatriated. (from IOL)

The government has urged all refugees in camps, including those who want to be repatriated back home, to go back to local communities as it closes the sites.

Congolese volunteer Ben Mutenga said they hoped there wouldn't be any forced removals.

"There is always a peaceful solution. Evictions are traumatising."

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