Tripoli (UNA-OIC) – The Government of Rwanda, the African Union, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed the First Addendum and extension to the Memorandum of Understanding dated 10 September 2019 between the three parties, which establishes an Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) from Libya to Rwanda.
This addendum takes effect immediately and will ensure that the established ETM in Gashora, Rwanda, continues until 31 December 2023, and increases its capacity from the initial 500 to 700 persons at any one time.
Under this agreement, the Rwandan government will continue to receive and provide protection to refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as others identified as particularly vulnerable and at-risk, who are currently being held in detention centers in Libya. They will be transferred to safety in Rwanda on a voluntary basis. After their arrival, UNHCR will continue to pursue durable solutions for the evacuees. While some may benefit from resettlement to third countries, others will be helped to return to countries where asylum had previously been granted, or to return to their home countries if it is safe to do so. Some may be given permission to remain in Rwanda subject to agreement by the competent authorities.
Evacuation flights are expected to resume and will be carried out in co-operation with Rwandan and Libyan authorities. The AU will continue to provide assistance with evacuations, mobilize resources, and provide strategic political support with training and coordination. UNHCR will provide protection services and necessary humanitarian assistance including food, water, accommodation, education, and healthcare.
