Copyright © 2008.Centre for Counseling of Deportees & Refugees. All rights reserved.
Centre for Counselling of Deportees & Refugees
Since inception in 2007, the CCDR has been actively involved in rescue operations, including counselling and rehabilitating of deportees, returnees and refugees of other African nationality who found themselves within the Nigerian boarders.
In recent times, a very large numbers of Nigerians were deported in batches from countries like Libya, Germany, Holland, Spain and Italy. According to a newspaper report, in one instance 'the deportee's mostly young women arrives the airport looking haggard, mean and hostile. They were seen swarming around the gate of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NACHO) yelling and lamenting their situation. (Page 9 of punch newspaper Thursday, November 1, 2007.)' In most cases deportees are often abandoned at the airport premises with no idea of the next step to take. They feel rejected by foreign government and humiliated by their own government security operatives.
Activities
The CCDR as part of its rescue strategy have since made its mission known to the airport authorities (Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria) for smooth operation within the airport premises. Consequently the centre have effectively positioned itself at the major point of entry i.e. Lagos international airport road, to rescue first, then counsel and re-integrate the deportees.
However, in-spite of our low media publicity, the centre has continued to witness high influx of deportees and refugees seeking for assistance. The centre has been able to help these persons in the area of food, clothing and financial assistance to enable them get to their various destinations.
The CCDR in collaboration with our consulting partners have been able to initiate program targeted at discouraging our youths from travelling without proper documents. This is also to re-orientate the deportees on the possibility of starting a fresh life here in Nigeria. Willing individuals are assisted in skill acquisition and technical training programs to enable them be self employed or be gainful employed. The centre has also schedule a series of seminars, workshops and conferences on matters relating to the plight of deportees.
OUR APPROACH
1. RESCUE
2. COUNSEL
3. REHABILITATE
4. RE-INTEGRATE