The UN Refugee Agency has recommended that States hosting Ivorian refugees end their refugee status.

It calls on the states to facilitate their voluntary repatriation, reintegration, or acquisition of permanent residency or naturalization for those wishing to remain.

The agency says the recommendation to apply cessation clauses in the 1951 Refugee Convention is based on an in-depth analysis of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire. 

It adds that the recommendation comes with concrete measures to promote durable solutions for Ivorian refugees that will facilitate their voluntary return and reintegration into their home country.

Selim Meddeb Hamrouni is a spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.