Call for Partners: Refugee Voluntary Return and Repatriation Program (Angola)

Deadline: 25-Sep-2026

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Angola is inviting NGOs, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to support protection and voluntary return solutions for refugees and stateless persons. The programme focuses on safe, dignified, and informed voluntary repatriation, returnee protection, reintegration, coordination, and monitoring while following UNHCR protection standards and best practices.

About the UNHCR Protection and Solutions Programme

The UNHCR Protection and Solutions Programme in Angola aims to advance durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons. A key focus of the programme is supporting voluntary return and reintegration processes for refugees who wish to return to their countries of origin. The programme is aligned with the UNHCR Angola Results Framework and emphasizes voluntary repatriation that is safe, dignified, and based on informed decisions. What Is the Purpose of the Programme? The programme seeks to strengthen protection and durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons in Angola.

Key objectives include:

- Supporting voluntary repatriation. - Strengthening return and reintegration processes. - Providing accurate information to refugees considering voluntary return. - Ensuring that return decisions are informed and voluntary. - Strengthening protection safeguards during return. - Supporting the protection and reintegration of returnees. - Improving coordination and repatriation procedures. - Monitoring voluntary repatriation processes. Focus on Voluntary Repatriation Voluntary repatriation is a central component of the programme. Partners are expected to support processes that enable refugees to make informed decisions about returning to their countries of origin. Activities should ensure that voluntary return takes place in a manner that is: - Safe. - Dignified. - Informed. - Voluntary. - Consistent with protection safeguards. Information and Counselling Partners will contribute to providing refugees with accurate information and counselling related to voluntary repatriation. Information and counselling can help refugees understand the voluntary return process and make informed decisions about whether to return to their countries of origin. Partners should ensure that information provided during these processes is accurate and appropriate to the needs of affected populations. Strengthening Repatriation Procedures The programme also supports efforts to strengthen procedures and coordination mechanisms related to voluntary repatriation.

Partners may contribute to improving

- Repatriation procedures. - Coordination mechanisms. - Return planning. - Communication between relevant stakeholders. - Protection safeguards throughout the return process. Effective coordination is important for ensuring that return movements are organized safely and efficiently. Safe and Efficient Return Movements Partners are expected to contribute to ensuring that voluntary return movements are conducted safely and efficiently. This includes supporting appropriate procedures and coordination arrangements so that refugees can return to their countries of origin in a safe and dignified manner. Protection considerations should remain central throughout the return process. Protection and Reintegration of Returnees The programme does not end when refugees return to their countries of origin.

Partners are also expected to support the protection and reintegration of returnees

Reintegration activities should help ensure that returnees continue to receive appropriate protection and support as they rebuild their lives following voluntary repatriation. Monitoring Voluntary Repatriation Monitoring is another important component of the programme. Partners are expected to monitor voluntary repatriation processes to ensure that protection safeguards are maintained throughout the return process. Monitoring can help identify protection concerns and ensure that return activities continue to follow appropriate standards and procedures. Durable Solutions for Refugees and Stateless Persons The programme forms part of broader efforts to advance durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons in Angola. Voluntary return and reintegration are important components of these efforts, particularly when refugees are able to return safely and voluntarily to their countries of origin. The programme therefore combines return support with protection, coordination, monitoring, and reintegration activities. Who Can Apply? UNHCR Angola is seeking experienced organizations with relevant expertise in protection and durable solutions.

Eligible applicants include:

- Local NGOs. - International NGOs. - Civil society organizations. - Academic institutions. Applicants should have relevant experience working with displaced populations and demonstrate the capacity to support protection and voluntary return activities. What Experience Should Applicants Have? Applicants should demonstrate relevant technical and operational experience in areas such as: - Protection. - Durable solutions. - Voluntary repatriation. - Reintegration. - Community engagement. - Working with displaced populations. - Protection of forcibly displaced persons. - Protection of stateless populations. Organizations should be able to demonstrate how their previous experience is relevant to the objectives of the UNHCR programme. Community Engagement Community engagement is an important part of supporting durable solutions. Organizations with experience engaging displaced populations can help ensure that affected communities receive appropriate information and have opportunities to participate meaningfully in processes concerning their future. This is particularly relevant to voluntary return, where refugees need accurate information and counselling to make informed decisions. UNHCR Standards and Best Practices All programme interventions must adhere to UNHCR sector standards and best practic