Comprehensive Solutions The search for durable solutions for Burundian refugees in Tanzania Judy Cheng-Hopkins Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, UNHCR

Flight of Burundian refugees in 1972 to neighbouring countries

1972 temporary camps in Tabora and the subsequent consolidation of camps in the three settlements

Geographical Context

Burundian Refugees in Tanzania: the numbers 1972 Arrivals: 218,000 Living in three ‘old settlements’ of Katumba, Mishamo and Ulyankulu in the Rukwa and Tabora regions Self-sufficient – pay taxes and have not received aid from UNHCR since present Arrivals: 117,714 Hosted in six camps in the north-western regions of Kigoma and Kagera which are managed by UNHCR in close cooperation with Tanzania’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Dependant on humanitarian aid for survival

1. Voluntary repatriation to Burundi 21%, 45,500 people Requires urgent repair of roads and offices Assistance with registration, logistics and security UNHCR High Commissioner visited Tanzania in early March and launched the first repatriation by train from the Katumba settlement

2. Local integration in Tanzania 79%, 171,600 people Naturalization fees reduced from US$ 800 per person to US$ 50 per family Govt would like to see completion of naturalization process before the end of 2008 Refugees leave settlements for various regions of Tanzania Closure of settlements at Mishamo and Katumba Ulyankulu settlement will either be closed, or its population reduced and structure reconfigured

Movement out of Settlements

3. Resettlement In 2006, the US offered permanent resettlement to some 13,000 mostly from the 1972 caseload In 2006, the US offered permanent resettlement to some 13,000 mostly from the 1972 caseload A total of 4,237 resettlement applications for 1972 Burundians were eventually submitted to the USA during 2006 A total of 4,237 resettlement applications for 1972 Burundians were eventually submitted to the USA during 2006

Tanzania Comprehensive Solutions strategy (1993 Refugees) 1. Voluntary repatriation All refugees opting to repatriate will be registered and assisted by UNHCR All refugees opting to repatriate will be registered and assisted by UNHCR Cash grants of 50,000 Burundian Francs (about US$50) per person – has led to exponential returns in the last half of 2007 Cash grants of 50,000 Burundian Francs (about US$50) per person – has led to exponential returns in the last half of 2007 Lack of land is a problem in Burundi. This seriously undermines UNHCR’s efforts to pursue durable voluntary repatriation Lack of land is a problem in Burundi. This seriously undermines UNHCR’s efforts to pursue durable voluntary repatriation Some 45,000 Burundians are expected to repatriate in 2008, and another 35,000 in 2009 Some 45,000 Burundians are expected to repatriate in 2008, and another 35,000 in Resettlement May be available to a small number of refugees in special circumstances May be available to a small number of refugees in special circumstances

UNHCR in Burundi Returnees medically screened at reception centres Returnees medically screened at reception centres Counselling on issues such as HIV and AIDS and sexual and gender-based violence Counselling on issues such as HIV and AIDS and sexual and gender-based violence Local welcome committees to help returnees recover their property and reintegrate into their communities. Local welcome committees to help returnees recover their property and reintegrate into their communities. Returnees given an assistance package before being transported to their communities of origin Returnees given an assistance package before being transported to their communities of origin Housing scheme and construction materials to rebuild homes Housing scheme and construction materials to rebuild homes Monitoring of returnees to help resolve conflicts, especially over land Monitoring of returnees to help resolve conflicts, especially over land

Conclusion: Durable Solutions Comprehensive approach Comprehensive approach Combining a range of durable solutions Combining a range of durable solutions Potential: Potential: 1. to end 35-year protracted refugee situation and plight of 1990s arrivals 2. local integration - allow for rehabilitation of refugee hosting areas 3. to promote local integration as a successful durable solution 4. repatriation to Burundi - contribute to peace building process 5. end of refugee crisis in Tanzania - stabilize Great Lakes region

Thank You Questions are welcome… Questions are welcome…