UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner calls for renewed momentum on long-term solutions for refugees in Tanzania

UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, concluded a five-day mission to Tanzania to engage with refugee communities and government counterparts on advancing durable solutions for Burundian refugees in the region, including the promotion of voluntary repatriation.

On the visit Ms. Menikdiwela, met with Kigoma Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Simon Sirro, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Dr. Maduhu Isaac Kazi, and the Director of Refugee Services Department - MoHA, Mr. Sudi Mwakibasi, as well as other key Tanzanian officials to discuss ways to further implement the Comprehensive Protection and Solutions-Based Assessment (CPSBA), a joint initiative with the Government of Tanzania aimed at finding solutions for the 145,000 Burundian refugees being hosted by Tanzania, in some instances for decades.

“Our shared goal with the Comprehensive Protection and Solutions-Based Assessment is to identify and implement durable solutions that uphold refugee rights and support long-term reintegration,” said Ms. Menikdiwela.

In Kigoma region, Ms. Menikdiwela met with Burundian and Congolese refugee leaders during her visit to Nyarugusu Camp, where they expressed concern about the impact of budget cuts on services such as education and health. She reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to listening to refugees and working with the Government of Tanzania to identify sustainable solutions.

“In these challenging times, it is vital that refugee voices and concerns remain at the heart of our protection work, including advocating for long-term solutions that will allow refugees to live safe and dignified lives,” said Ms. Menikdiwela. “UNHCR remains fully committed to supporting the informed, voluntary and safe return of the thousands of refugees who have decided to go home to Burundi. We call on the international community to provide more support for reintegration and development projects in Burundi to help returnees rebuild their lives.”

Since 2017, over 180,000 Burundian refugees have returned home with UNHCR’s support. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, continues to promote voluntary returns - providing information on the situation in Burundi such as on access to housing, land and property, education and health services, and livelihood opportunities. In addition, UNHCR continues to support returnees with transport and cash assistance, as well as provide protection counselling to ensure a refugee’s decision to voluntarily return home is free, informed, and without coercion.

Along with meeting government officials, the delegation, which included Ms. Fatima Cole, the Deputy Director of UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes, and Ms. Barbara Bentum-Williams Dotse the UNHCR Tanzania Representative, also visited education and vocational training centres, and held discussions with donors and partners supporting voluntary repatriation and CPSBA efforts.

Ms. Menikdiwela’s visit underscores UNHCR’s ongoing commitment to protection, inclusion, and solutions for refugees in Tanzania and across the region.

Read the press release in Swahili.

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