Burundi: UNHCR, Governments of Burundi and Tanzania Reaffirm Their Dedication to Supporting Burundian Refugees Voluntary Return and Sustainable Reintegration

The Governments of the Republic of Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, met this week for the twenty fifth Meeting of the Tripartite Commission for the Voluntary Repatriation of Burundian Refugees dwelling within the United Republic of Tanzania.

Recognizing the generosity of the federal government and other people of Tanzania in internet hosting Burundian refugees for many years and the Burundian authorities’s intensive efforts to assist growth in areas of return, all events agreed to proceed voluntary repatriation to Burundi in accordance with the provisions of the Tripartite Agreement of May 2001.

All events dedicated to reinforce information-sharing on cross-border labour mobility prospects between Burundi and Tanzania, in addition to procedures for accessing these for returnees. Participants famous that these actions ought to be undertaken in keeping with present bilateral authorized and administrative frameworks, and as supplied for by East African Community (EAC) Protocols and insurance policies.

“The policy of both our countries is that refugees return to contribute to the Burundi’s vision 2040 as an emerging country, and 2060 as a developed country. The Government of Burundi will honour its commitments to seek durable solutions for its compatriots hosted in Tanzania,” mentioned Martin Niteretse, Minister of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security, Government of Burundi.

The Parties agreed to assist the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in enterprise complete safety and solutions-based assessments in 2025. Steered by a joint technical workforce comprising of the Tanzanian authorities and UNHCR, these assessments search to establish applicable options for Burundian refugees who’re but to return.

“In 2025, the Government of Tanzania with support from UNHCR will conduct a comprehensive protection and solution-based assessments with all Burundian refugees in Tanzania to understand their challenges. This initiative aims to identify and implement durable solutions such as voluntary repatriation, resettlement, and local integration. The process will be transparent and inclusive to all relevant stakeholders at every stage,” mentioned Hon. Daniel Baran Sillo, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Government of Tanzania.

Participants emphasised the significance of entry to training and livelihood alternatives in Burundi for returnees, which not solely influences their selections to return but in addition ensures their return is sustainable.

For UNHCR, this collaborative effort underscores a shared dedication to making sure the well-being and long-term reintegration of Burundian refugees by means of coordinated and sustainable responses.

“Seeking durable solutions for Burundian refugees, including helping them to return home safely and restart their new lives in dignity, remains a high priority for UNHCR,” mentioned Fatima Mohammed Cole, UNHCR’s Deputy Director for the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes area. “We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from donors and partners for Burundian refugees and returnees. We will continue to work closely with both the governments of Tanzania and Burundi to find durable solutions for refugees and call on the international community for their continued solidarity,” added Cole.