1. LIBERIA- Repatriation of Ghanaian Migrant Workers
2. SRI LANKA - Norway Backs Reintegration of Ex-Combatants

LIBERIA - Repatriation of Ghanaian Migrant Workers - IOM has helped 61 Ghanaian migrant workers stranded in the Liberian capital Monrovia to return home.

The first group of 49 migrants boarded an IOM chartered flight in Monrovia on 21 December. Prior to embarkation, IOM conducted medical checks and WHO provided yellow fever vaccinations. An IOM medical escort accompanied the returnees on the flight. A second group of 12 Ghanaians left Monrovia yesterday aboard a Ghanaian Airlines commercial flight.

Both groups were met on arrival by IOM staff and Ghanaian Immigration officials. IOM transported the returnees from the airport to Accra central bus station. Each person received an onward transportation grant to help them return to their home villages. WFP provided high-energy biscuits and drinks for the final lap of their journey home.

"Most of the returnees had several spent years in Liberia. Some were employed in the fishing industry along the Liberian coast line and managed to make their way to Monrovia," says IOM's Cecilia Omole. "All were waiting for repatriation assistance in Monrovia and are delighted to be home for Christmas."

Between 19 and 21 December, IOM also organised three repatriation flights out of Mali, Guinea-Bissau and Gambia. The joint IOM-UNHCR operation helped 251 Sierra Leonean refugees to return home.

SRI LANKA - Norway Backs Reintegration of Ex-Combatants - Norway is to contribute US$450,000 (NOK 3 million) to an IOM pilot project designed to help reintegrate 2,500 Sri Lankan ex-combatants into civilian life.

The project, which is expected to start in January 2004, will comprise an Information, Counselling and Referral Service with Reintegration Fund, and will contribute to consolidating the peace process between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE.)

The beneficiaries will include ex-combatants from both sides, as well as war-disabled, war widows, trauma victims, other identified special needs groups and recently retired combatants.

Beneficiaries will register with the programme to establish their reintegration needs. The programme will then refer them either to existing or to specially created retraining schemes. After retraining, the reintegration funds will be used to help them start income-generating civilian jobs.