UNICEF & UNHCR held a Regional meeting on the Global Compact On Refugees (GCR) and application of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in Eastern and Southern Africa (16 and 17 April 2019)

Due to continued new arrivals from Burundi into Rwanda, albeit in small numbers, additional space is needed to ensure a camp extension in Mahama Camp. The camp is designed for 60,000 refugees and the camp population has reached 59,319 as of 28 February 2019.

Since the start of the voluntary repatriation exercise in September 2017, a total of 63,143 individuals have been assisted to return to Burundi from Tanzania as of 31 March 2019. Of those who have registered for return, 7,760 individuals are currently awaiting departure after having had their intention to voluntarily return verified.

IGAD Ministers commit further to improving livelihoods of refugees

Education is a major priority in the Uganda refugee response for 2019 and beyond. More than half of refugee children, and over one third of Ugandan children in refugee hosting areas, are out of school.

While more than 58,000 refugees have returned to Burundi since mid-2017, hundreds of refugees still flee Burundi each month, and UNHCR urges governments in the region to maintain open borders and access to asylum for those who need it.

To foster economic self-reliance for refugees and host communities, Regional Refugee Response Plan partners will work toward strengthening resilience across the region, emphasizing economic inclusion and utilising cash-based interventions wherever feasible.

UNHCR and partners are not promoting return to Burundi, but are working with the governments involved to ensure that returns are based on the principles of voluntariness and informed decisions, and take place in safety and dignity. 58,546 Burundian refugees were assisted to return in 2017 and 2018 .

35 partners including the UN, International and National NGOs are collectively appealing for $296 million dollars for one of the least funded situations, the Burundian Situation.

UNHCR Chief calls for more international support for Tanzania. Concluding a four-day visit to East African nation, Filippo Grandi urges greater investment for north-west regions hosting 330,000 refugees.