Written question asked by Russell Brown (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 May 1997. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 May 1997 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: What is her estimate of the numbers and needs of the refugees and internally displaced persons who have not yet returned home following the crises in Rwanda, Burundi and Zaire. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her estimate of the numbers and needs of the refugees and internally displaced persons who have not yet returned home following the crises in Rwanda, Burundi and Zaire. [324] Clare Short: UNHCR estimates that 1.5 million people have returned home since January 1996. The airlift to Rwanda continues at about 2,000 people a day. But just under 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons remain in the region. Up to 70,000 may be ex-FAR and Interahamwe involved in the Rwandan genocide. I intend to play an active role in the international effort to resolve these problems.

Secondary information