Fahamu - Networks for social justice

On the occasion of the annual consultations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with non-governmental organisations (Geneva 30 June), Fahamu asked the Africa Bureau to respond to the report ‘Coercion and Intimidation in the Voluntary Repatriation of 37,000 Burundian Refugees from Mtabila Camp, Tanzania.’

Senaize Solange, Senior Desk Officer in UNHCR’s Africa Bureau, explained in a plenary session that UNHCR is aware of the allegations and is monitoring the situation. She expressed UNHCR’s concern over the incidents and Tanzanian government declarations detailed in the Fahamu report but stated that positive changes in Burundi must be acknowledged. Further, she noted that certain refugee ‘leaders’ were encouraging refugees to refuse repatriation. Senaize explained that UNHCR has expressed its concern to the Tanzanian government, resulting in an extension of the 30 June Mtabila camp closure deadline and a commitment from the Tanzanian government that there will not be any forced return. UNHCR and the Government are discussing possibility of providing alternative status for Burundians who do not want to repatriate and have no specific protection concern. UNHCR may also move such individuals to another camp.

Following the plenary, when asked about the undated notice circulated to refugees in Mtabila camp (attached to the Fahamu report) and whether it might be the result of a divergence between policy at headquarters and policy in the field, Senaize explained that UNHCR’s position has evolved in response to the 36,000 refugees who have not repatriated. This does not, however, justify why the notice was issued in the first place. Senaize further explained that UNHCR is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Tanzanian government and donor countries regarding this population and is attempting to engage the East African Community regarding the movement of population in the region (which includes the repatriation of Rwandans from Uganda).