Strengthening the resilience and empowerment of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons affected by the conflict in northern Mali

Funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa and implemented by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), this regional project focuses on populations affected by instability in northern and central Mali causing forced displacement and irregular migratory flows. In fact, 135 000 Malian refugees currently live in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mauritania, placing additional pressure on local host communities, and instability in certain areas. In a context of prolonged displacement where large-scale repatriation of exiled populations is still unfeasible, the intervention revolves mainly around the concept of “responsible disengagement” with a view to finding sustainable solutions. In fact, the action aims to “prepare for solutions” that will ultimately allow displaced populations to return or integrate in their host communities. The programme is comprised of three priority axes: 1) resilience and self-sufficiency; 2) peaceful coexistence and protection; and 3) voluntary repatriation. The project is conducted within the framework of the Sahel Alliance.

Global objective

Support Malian refugees and displaced persons and support their return to their areas of origin

Specific objectives

Strengthen resilience and self-sufficiency of refugee populations, returnees and internally displaced persons of Mali
Maintain peaceful coexistence between displaced populations and host/local communities within a harmonious protection environment
Facilitate the voluntary repatriation of refugees who wish to return

Expected results

Building resilience and self-reliance along with diversified income generation opportunities
Maintenance of a peaceful coexistence between displaced populations and host/local communities in a harmonious protection environment
Facilitation of voluntary repatriation of Malian refugees with dignity and safety

Duration

3 years : 25/05/2017 - 31/05/2020

Localisation

The project is implemented in four countries:
• Burkina Faso: Soum and Oudalan provinces of the Sahel region
• Mali: in 16 priority municipalities in the regions of Gao, Kidal, Ménaka, Mopti and Tombouctou;
• Mauritania: in the region of Hodh el Chargui, Camp de Mbera, as well as the villages of the department of Bassikounou
• Niger: in the Tahoua and Tillabéry regions

Beneficiaries

Nearly 470 000 direct beneficiaries:

Malian refugees
Malian returnees
Malian internally displaced persons
Internally displaced returnees from Mali
Vulnerable and/or affected host/local communities

Budget

EUR 21 400 000

Funding

European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUR 20 million)
UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) (EUR 1.4 million)

Implementation

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Reference Contact Find out more

Country

Burkina Faso
G5 Sahel area
Mali
Mauritania
Niger

Topics

Agriculture & value chains
Demographic trends
Employment & revenues
Food security & zero hunger
Gender
Governance & capacity-building
Local actors & livelihoods
Poverty
Rural-urban issues
Social affairs & social protection
Youth

Targets

Poor households
Poor workers in the informal economy
Refugees
Women
Youth

Agir Pillars

Pillar 1: Improve social protection for the most vulnerable communities and households in order to secure their livelihoods

Scales

Local
Regional (West Africa)