Final steps agreed to resolve Rwandan refugee situation

The final steps to resolve a protracted refugee situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa have been agreed by the UN and countries on the continent.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that "many Rwandans" fled the country between 1959 and 1998.

The genocide alone in 1994, followed by armed clashes in the north-west of the country in 1997 and 1998, led more than 3.5 million to find sanctuary in eleven countries in central, eastern and southern Africa.

All the concerned states confirmed that they would continue to promote the option of voluntary repatriation to Rwanda.

UNHCR agreed to provide an enhanced return package.

Refugees who want to remain where they are, will be able to do so.

SOURCE: Matthew Wells, United Nations.