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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Political amnesty and repatriation of refugees in Namibia |
Author: | Ntchatcho, H. |
Year: | 1993 |
Periodical: | African Yearbook of International Law |
Volume: | 1 |
Pages: | 61-78 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Namibia |
Subjects: | refugees UNHCR return migration |
Abstract: | The UNHCR made a meaningful contribution to Namibia's independence process by undertaking the repatriation of over 43,000 Namibian exiles, including a large number of the leadership which today presides over the destiny of the country. The repatriation exercise was carried out at a breathtaking pace, slightly over the planned six-week time frame, to enable Namibian exiles to return in time to register to vote. This review highlights some of the legal and political issues which affected the planning and implementation of UNHCR sponsored repatriation. It pays attention to the background of the Namibian refugee problem, the enactment of legislation granting amnesty to all Namibian exiles as well as repealing all discriminatory and restrictive laws in Namibia, repatriation procedures, the intimidation and harassment of returnees by security forces comprising the South-West Africa Police (SWAPOL) and the way in which the UN dealt with this issue, the repatriation of former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), and the liberation of ex-SWAPO detainees. Notes, ref. |