The safe return of refugees and IDPs is a highly sensitive and potentially volatile process, from the identification and registration of affected persons to their eventual and voluntary return, in safety and in dignity, and their subsequent reintegration. Even after their return, a number of political and security issues (e.g. property disputes) may arise, as communities that were abandoned by their original residents may have been resettled by others, leading to tensions and renewed conflict. The status of returnees who may have been former combatants is likely to be legally and politically complex, and to require further guidance. As is the case with other humanitarian activities, the return of refugees and IDPs is managed and led by specialized UN agencies and their implementing humanitarian partners. However, the peacekeeping mission is central to establishing safe and secure conditions, and can play an important supporting role before, during and after the return.

6.5.1 Operational activities

The key operational activities by the mission to support this output include:

• Monitoring border crossings and securing return corridors.
• Providing physical protection in the form of temporary shelters, working closely with the authorities responsible for camp management and security.
• Coordinating and conducting mine clearance of routes and resettlement areas.
• Ensuring a safe and secure environment around IDP camps.
• In support of the host government, ensuring a safe and secure environment at the IDPs’/refugees’ places of origin to allow a safe return.
• Providing logistical support to humanitarian agencies, as necessary and as requested, within the means and capabilities of the mission.
• Monitoring, recording and reporting human rights violations and helping to ensure that all returns are voluntary.
• Conducting civil affairs activities aimed at addressing the tensions between returnees and receiving communities.

6.5.3 Responsibilities and coordination

The main responsibility for the voluntary return of refugees and IDPs rests with UNHCR or the International Organization for Migration, supported by WFP and UNICEF, and international and local NGOs. OCHA plays an important role in terms of coordination, policy and advocacy, but is not an operational agency directly engaged in the delivery of humanitarian programmes. The peacekeeping mission acts in a sup- porting role. Efforts should be closely coordinated by the DSRSG-RC/HC, in concert with the FC when the military is involved. Parameters for use of peacekeeping assets or personnel in support of the return of refugees and IDPs should be based on a detailed agreement between members of the MLT and the RC/HC, under the overall authority of the HoM.

In extreme situations, missions may be managing IDPs seeking protection from physical violence in what have been termed “POC sites” on or alongside UN bases as part of their mandate to protect civilians. This will require the direct engagement of the peacekeeping mission and the MLT to manage the facilities and provide security, in close coordination with humanitarian actors. Broadly speaking, the same issues apply to returning and reintegrating refugees in these sites.

6.5.4 Resources

Providing security for protection camps can tie down scarce mission resources. If possible, local security services (in particular the police) will need to be supported, which will often require police component resources. Securing border crossings and return corridors is labour intensive and may require considerable military resources. Ensuring that returns are voluntary and that possible disputes are addressed are core functions of several civilian sections such as Political Affairs, Civil Affairs, Human Rights, and Public Information. It is therefore an integrated activity, which requires close coordination within the mission and with the UNCT, as well as adequate human and other resources.