87. Voluntary repatriation in conditions of safety and dignity remains the preferred solution in the majority of refugee situations.³⁹ The overriding priorities are to promote the enabling conditions for voluntary repatriation in full respect for the principle of non-refoulement, to ensure the exercise of a free and informed choice⁴⁰ and to mobilize support to underpin safe and dignified repatriation. It is recognized that voluntary repatriation is not necessarily conditioned on the accomplishment of political solutions in the country of origin, in order not to impede the exercise of the right of refugees to return to their own country.⁴¹ It is equally recognized that there are situations where refugees voluntarily return outside the context of formal voluntary repatriation programmes, and that this requires support. While enabling voluntary repatriation is first and foremost the responsibility of the country of origin towards its own people, the international community as a whole stands ready to provide support, including to facilitate sustainability of return. 

88. Accordingly, without prejudice to ongoing support to host countries, the international community as a whole will contribute resources and expertise to support countries of origin, upon their request, to address root causes, to remove obstacles to return, and to enable conditions favourable to voluntary repatriation. These efforts will take into account existing political and technical mechanisms for coordinating humanitarian, peacebuilding and development interventions, and be in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In some contexts it is useful for relevant States and UNHCR to conclude tripartite agreements to facilitate voluntary repatriation. 

89. In addition, States and relevant stakeholders will contribute resources and expertise to support countries of origin upon their request with respect to social, political, economic and legal capacity to receive and reintegrate returnees, notably women, youth, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. This may include support for development, livelihood and economic opportunities and measures to address housing, land and property issues. Contributions will be provided for direct repatriation support to returnees in the form of cash and other assistance, where appropriate. Depending on the context, concerned countries may seek technical guidance on measures to avoid further forced displacement on return (internal or cross-border), and to take into account the situation of internally displaced and non-displaced resident populations.⁴² Relevant stakeholders will work with authorities, as appropriate, to support information sharing on protection risks in areas of return and the establishment of systems for analysis of such risks.⁴³