Manual for Sustainable Return
Part II - Operational Guidelines - Return of Displaced
Implementing partners have responsibility for selecting the potential returnees and, ensuring that returns are sustainable in the long term. "Bottom-up" project formulation and the project prioritisation process act as safeguards against the implementation of projects without strong commitments from IDP beneficiaries to return. IDPs/refugees who are envisaged as beneficiaries of the approved project must be on site for the implementation to start. At least one member of each beneficiary family needs to participate in the reconstruction or at least be present on site for the family to benefit from the project.
In cases where the conditions surrounding project implementation change ramatically, returns may have to be postponed or temporarily suspended. ORC, through recommendations from RWG Chair, may halt implementation of returns projects. Should such exceptional circumstances occur, ORC will ensure that its basis for suspension of the project is clearly articulated and will consult with all involved actors regarding the conditions needed for the project to be resumed. Responsibility for ensuring the physical transport of the displaced is shared. UNHCR has the responsibility for assisting with the logistical transportation of the IDPs and refugees. KFOR, UNMIK Police and KPS should provide escort if considered necessary.
UNMIK will take all necessary steps to ensure that Municipal officials (international and local where available) are present to receive the returnees on the day of their return. A short briefing should be prepared as part of the welcoming ceremony to answer any questions that the returnees may have and as a first step to assist them in integrating into their new environment. Basic information regarding the municipality and the municipal structures and its governing parties should be provided. Where possible, receiving and surrounding communities should be included in the reception. UNHCR will provide elementary humanitarian assistance, such as food and basic non-food items, including blankets and mattresses to support returnees in the first three months of heir return. Thereafter, implementing partners will have either ensured that the means for self-sufficiency exist in the project design or that the NGO itself will take over the provision of food and nonfood humanitarian assistance needs beyond the first three-month period. The need for such assistance should be an element of the project framework included in the Request for Projects.