United States Support for Repatriation and Reintegration of Sudanese Refugees

Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, DC
May 17, 2005

The United States is contributing an additional $18 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support the repatriation and reintegration of Sudanese refugees from Kenya to southern Sudan. This assistance is part of the United States' commitment to Sudan announced by Deputy Secretary Robert Zoellick at the April 2005 Oslo Donors' Conference.

Organized returns of Sudanese refugees are expected to begin this fall. This contribution will allow UNHCR to address the immediate needs of returning refugees while in transit and after arrival at their final destination. UNHCR will also rehabilitate basic social and economic infrastructure and provide essential services in areas of return. Some 150,000 Sudanese refugees will be assisted by UNHCR in the first 18 months of this repatriation and reintegration program.

During fiscal years 2003 - 2005, the United States has committed over $1.6 billion to Sudan for humanitarian assistance, conflict resolution in Darfur, reconstruction and development, and support for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The United States urges other donors to strengthen their efforts in support of the Sudanese people.