The return of persons found not to be in need of international protection to their countries of origin: UNHCR’s role

This paper reviews the rationale and criteria for UNHCR’s involvement in the return of persons found not to be in need of international protection to their country of origin. Based on Executive Committee Conclusion No. 96, it sets out parameters for engagement of the Office and indicates a range of activities UNHCR could pursue, depending on the specific caseload and protection environment in a given host country. It does not envisage UNHCR’s involvement in the actual mechanism of return, which remains the responsibility of the returning State. The paper places particular emphasis on coordination and cooperation with other agencies, most notably IOM. Examples of UNHCR’s operational involvement are annexed.