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Rwanda + 3 more

UNHCR regional update: Burundi situation No. 0005 -- New arrivals in Rwanda, DRC, Tanzania approach 40,000 mark

KEY FIGURES

34,984 = Number of Burundian refugees who have sought asylum in neighboring countries since the beginning of April 2015

24,795 in Rwanda

7,189 in DRC

3,000 in Tanzania

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The number of new arrivals from Burundi into neighboring countries is approaching the 40,000 mark, with more than 70% seeking refuge in Rwanda.
  • The European Commission is releasing EUR 1.5 million to meet the immediate needs for assistance and protection of Burundi refugees in neighboring countries. The funding is part of the EUR 47 million of total humanitarian aid foreseen for the Great Lakes region for 2015, and follows the increase in number of refugees from the country in the last weeks. EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, said "Such sudden and massive displacement is a humanitarian tragedy and a serious challenge to neighboring countries' capacities to accommodate refugees. It is a serious concern in an already fragile region."

Rwanda

  • On 29 April, the UNHCR Representative accompanied the Honorable Minister MIDIMAR to Mahama to assess the progress made in establishing the new camp, together with the UN Resident Coordinator, Vice Mayor of Kirehe District, Provincial Army Commander, Police and other government officials. While pleased with the progress, the Minister urged a speeding up of tent construction and request safe play areas for the children.
  • Ambassadors of donor countries continue to visit Burundian and interact with refugees in Rwanda, and to observe construction of shelters, health center, WASH facilities, communal cooking, distribution of relief items and storage/warehouse facilities.

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT (RWANDA)

  • UNHCR has noted a downward trend in the rate of arrival. Based on information received from refugees, there are claims of systematic checks in Burundi where those suspected to be leaving the country are either detained or asked to pay money.
  • UNHCR is leading the preparation of an inter-agency Refugee Response Plan (RRP) for the region under the auspices of the Refugee Coordination Model (RCM). In parallel, UNHCR is preparing a Supplementary Appeal to cover its operational needs relating to Burundian refugees in the region as well as to possible IDPs in Burundi.

Protection

  • Referral pathways for women and children at-risk as well as persons with special needs are now in place in Bugesera and Nyanza Reception Centres, while in Mahama they will be finalized shortly. 54 volunteers have been recruited and are being trained to support child protection, youth engagement, and SGBV prevention and response activities.
  • 772 unaccompanied and separated children have been identified. 759 were identified in Reception Centres while 13 unaccompanied children who did not pass through Reception Centres were identified in Mahama camp. 148 unaccompanied and separated children have been reunited with their parents/customary caregivers or relatives.
  • Five cases of sexual and gender-based violence have been identified and supported by UNHCR’s protection partner, Plan International.
  • Child-friendly spaces are established in Bugesera and Nyanza Reception Centres, while three child-friendly spaces have been identified in Mahama and will be developed as soon as possible, even as Plan International facilitates recreational activities for 70-130 children in Mahama daily. In Mahama, Plan International facilitated discussions with children on safety in the camp and risk factors including snakes, crocodiles and hippos. About 170 children participated.

Shelter and site planning (Mahama refugee camp)

  • 22 = number of communal hangars constructed, each with a capacity to accommodate 100 persons
  • 798 = number family tents erected
  • 5,050 = number of expected family tents ordered form emergency stockpiles in the region (Isaka, Nairobi)

Water and Sanitation (Mahama Refugee Camp)

  • 308 = number of latrines constructed (42 refugees per latrine)
  • 200 = number of showers constructed (61 refugees per shower)
  • 11 = number of litres of potable provided per refugee per day

For more information, please contact:

RWANDA: Martina Pomeroy, pomeroy@unhcr.org (link sends e-mail) OR Erika Fitzpatrick, fitzpat@unhcr.org (link sends e-mail)

DRC: Celine Schmitt, schmitt@unhcr.org (link sends e-mail) OR Chiara Cavalcanti, cavalcan@unhcr.org (link sends e-mail)

GENEVA: Karin de Gruijl,degruijl@unhcr.org