The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) on Tuesday made an urgent appeal for $222.6 million to assist over 315,000 Burundian refugees this year.
“Increased international support is crucial to ensure Burundian refugees receive meaningful protection and care in neighboring countries”, said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (UNHCR) Regional Director for the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda have hosted Burundi refugees for nearly seven years.
Last year, a political transition in the country raised hopes that more refugees would be able to return home, but, the majority will still need international protection throughout the year.
The 2021 Burundi Regional Refugee Response Plan seeks to provide critical food support, shelter and education, and access to healthcare and water, which are especially needed for prevention and response measures related to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Committing resources is an important signal that the world has not forgotten Burundian refugees and their host communities”, the UNHCR official said.
Burundi is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. It has a population of approximately 12 million.
The UNHCR cited 2015’s political crisis that had adversely affected the country’s peacebuilding and social cohesion and led to international sanctions being imposed that resulted in price increases, food insecurity, supply shortages, and market instability.
The rising rate of unemployment and the collapse of social services have deteriorated living conditions for the people. Furthermore, in 2019, more frequent and severe shortages of fuel and currency contributed to a flourishing black market.
Last year’s $293 million Burundian refugee response appeal was just 40 percent financed and was among the most underfunded globally. There were cuts to food rations, inadequate shelters, shortages of medicines, and insufficient livelihood activities.
This year, the UNHCR’s appeal includes funding to safe and dignified return for those who want to repatriate and is complemented by a Joint Refugee Return and Reintegration Plan, which covers returnee receptions and monitoring along with reintegration support in Burundi.
