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Sharp rise in returns to Burundi, says UNHCR
12 Aug 2005 The UN refugee agency expects to see a six-fold increase in the number of Burundian refugees going home to the south this month compared to previous months. Returnees say they are confident following June's communal elections - virtually the last step in a long transition to full peace and democracy. -
South Kivu sees high tide of Congolese returnees
22 Jul 2005 UNHCR has reported a sharp rise in the number of refugees returning on their own to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo after spending days on the road or travelling on rickety boats from Tanzania. They say they're back to enrol their children in school, rebuild their homes and vote in the elections. -
Tanzania camp to close as Burundian refugees return home
5 Apr 2005 Karago camp will be closed towards the end of April as Tanzania consolidates camps that are emptying out with the departure of Burundian refugees for home. However, UNHCR notes that the pace of returns has slowed and that the Burundi repatriation programme is severely under-funded. -
Refugees in Tanzania gear up for Olympics
20 Jul 2004 More than 20,000 refugees at Lukole camp are benefiting from new sports clothing and equipment donated by the United States Olympic Committee under the "Giving is Winning" campaign launched by the International Olympic Committee and UNHCR. -
New border crossing drums up interest in Burundian return
24 Jun 2004 A group of 245 Burundian returnees were treated to drums and dances when they arrived home from Tanzania during the official opening of the border crossing at Mugina, the first such crossing into southern Burundi. -
Burundian refugees return through new border crossing in south
2 Jun 2004 The UN refugee agency has started twice-weekly convoys from Tanzania's camps to southern Burundi via a new border crossing at Mugina. It conducted a test run on Tuesday to ensure that all the procedures are in place for repatriation before the crossing is officially opened in late June. -
Burundian refugees get a taste of home with "go-and-see" visit
14 May 2004 A group of Burundian refugees living in Tanzania's Lukole camp recently went back to their homeland on a "go-and-see" visit to help them make informed decisions about whether they were ready to repatriate. Upon their return to Tanzania, they shared their experiences with fellow refugees. -
UNHCR official says Burundi returns could be one of Africa's largest this year
8 Apr 2004 Welcoming Burundi's improved security, Assistant High Commissioner Kamel Morjane has nonetheless called for a prudent approach to refugee returns. He also thanked Tanzania for its longstanding generosity towards refugees as he concluded his mission to the two countries. -
Over 10,000 Burundian returnees in first six weeks of 2004
18 Feb 2004 Returning from camps in Tanzania, more than half of this number have crossed back into eastern Burundi through a new border crossing point. UNHCR is increasing convoys along this route and boosting its presence in other areas as security conditions improve in Burundi.