Rwanda, the African Union Commission, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency have agreed to extend the Emergency Transit Mechanism allowing for the evacuation of refugees and asylum seekers from Libya to Rwanda.
The MoU, which was signed on September 10, 2019, was on August 22, 2024 extended until December 31, 2025.
According to the African Union Commission, the agreement reaffirms the commitment of all parties to provide protection and seek durable solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers evacuated from Libya.
While maintaining its core mission, the ETM in Gashora, Rwanda, will continue to provide a safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers evacuated from Libya.
“In this respect, the Government of Rwanda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to receive and protect these individuals, as well as others identified as particularly vulnerable and at-risk,” the African Union said in a press release.
The deal emphasizes a more transparent selection process for evacuees, to ensure equal opportunities for all potential candidates regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, age, or any criteria other than their vulnerability.
It also reinforces and strengthens information sharing and reporting mechanisms between UNHCR, the Government of Rwanda, and the African Union, in the implementation of solutions for evacuated individuals; as well as expanding comprehensive efforts to find alternative durable solutions for evacuees who do not qualify for refugee status and, are not willing to request a longer stay in Rwanda.
The agreement also considers exploring options such as voluntary return, resettlement, family reunification, and access to other solutions in third countries; and reiterates the commitment of all parties to undertaking bi-annual joint monitoring missions to inspect the entire process.
“The African Union Commission will continue to provide high-level political support, capacity development, and resource mobilization, as well as enhancement of joint coordination mechanisms. UNHCR will continue to provide protection and required assistance, including shelter, food, healthcare, and other essential services for evacuees during their stay in Rwanda,” it said.
Since the deal was signed in 2019, some 2,355 refugees and asylum seekers from Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali, have been evacuated from Libya in 18 flights. A total of 1,813 refugees have been resettled to third countries, finding a lasting solution to displacement.
Rwanda’s ETM Center in Gashora ©UNHCR/Eugene Sibomana
UNHCR and the Rwanda authorities will continue to conduct individual registration of all the individuals evacuated and issue Proof of Registration documents that allow them to travel within the country and access assistance provided in the centre.
“The AUC and UNHCR commend the support of the international community in this regard and further calls for renewed commitment towards the implementation of this agreement, including assistance to persons of concern currently in Libya. They also encourage other countries to follow Rwanda’s example in providing safe haven for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers,” the AU statement added.
Libya has become a destination country for refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants as well as a transit country for those attempting to reach Europe.
According to UNHCR, the ETM Centre is in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District, temporarily houses refugees and asylum-seekers who have undertaken voluntary evacuation from conflict-ridden Libya, where they have often been detained, subjected to violence, torture, abuse, including sexual abuse, and life-threatening situations.
As of the end of March 2024, 2,242 refugees and asylum-seekers had been evacuated.
The initiative is co-funded by the European Union, through the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, and supported by the Government of Rwanda and the African Union.
