UNHCR’s reintegration policy is based on the principle that returnees,
whether former refugees or IDPs, are citizens of the state in which they live,
and that the national and local authorities of that state have primary responsibility
for their welfare. The restoration of national capacity to protect the
rights and interests of its citizens is critical to the reintegration process.
However, this is often seriously limited in countries which have new or transitional
authorities, and where local government structures are absent or weak.
In this context, establishing an open dialogue and effective partnership with
those authorities and engaging in capacity-building initiatives with them is
crucial to achieving longer-term sustainability.