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- Also available in French
GNA Rwanda: Q&A with UNHCR's representative in Rwanda, Annette Nyekan
Global Needs Assessment, 9 October 2008
What's the situation of refugees in Rwanda?
UNHCR is now taking care of 55,600 refugees who have fled violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the last 12 years. We had hoped to close down operations in Rwanda by 2006, but continuing unrest in the Kivus area of eastern DRC has made that impossible. In addition to Congolese, we also have 2,270 refugees from Burundi, including a tiny number who have been here since 1972. The refugees live in four camps, which are terribly overcrowded because land is at such a premium in Rwanda.
How do you feel when you are confronted with needs that are not being met?
It is frustrating to feel that we cannot meet our objectives, or our mandate, in providing appropriate protection and assistance to refugees. It is also difficult not to be able to give refugees in Rwanda a concrete answer as to why their needs cannot be fully met.
What are the negative consequences of these needs not being met?
Negative consequences include security concerns, especially when refugees leave the camp to seek firewood or other resources, which may get them into trouble with local population. There is also concern for women and girls who may seek employment outside the camp and fall victim to violence or abuse at the hands of their employers.
What do the refugees have to say about their situation?
On the whole, refugees are not pleased about the situation and feel let down. Some refugees have even commented that they would rather be transferred to a third country of asylum in order to receive better assistance. Some have even said they would rather be voluntarily repatriated despite the security situation as it would be better to suffer and die at home in their own country. Some refugees are even sending their children back to DRC to attend secondary school because they lack the educational opportunites in Rwanda.
What are the priority needs for people of concern – basic needs or others?
Priority needs include secondary education, school uniforms for students, further assistance with non-food items (including more frequent distribution), additional cases being accepted for resettlement, changes in food basket items, supplementary clothing and shoes, and access to land where refugees can raise livestock and grow crops in order to generate income and become self-sufficient.
Do you think the extra funding from the GNA, if it comes, will make a significant difference and in what way?
Implementation of the GNA will significantly alter the way our programmes are implemented, which in turn will make the working relationship with implementing partners, government counterparts and even donors more harmonious.
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