Talented refugee models who met with UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Helena Christensen, in October 2018 grace Vogue Magazine.

In a historic decision, the member states of the UN General Assembly today agreed on a new international framework – known as the Global Compact on Refugees – that will transform the way the world responds to mass displacement and refugee crises, benefiting both refugees and the communities that host them.

Support scheme in Rwandan capital and elsewhere sees refugee businesses including Burundian-owned LPG store create 2,600 new jobs countrywide.

The consequences of underfunding are being felt across the board by Burundian refugees in four neighbouring countries, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda.

Burundian refugees are enduring cuts to food rations, lack of medicines, overcrowded schools and inadequate shelter. Despite the best efforts of all, a massive increase in support is needed to adequately provide for even the most basic needs.

UNHCR has made significant progress in the construction of transitional shelters in all three camps in North West Tanzania in anticipation of the rainy season.

The total number of refugees in Nduta Camp in Tanzania is already over 106,000 and camp facilities are overstretched. More land is needed very soon to host incoming Burundian refugees. Last week's average of daily arrivals into Tanzania was 724 refugees per day.

The Tanzanian Government has revoked the Refugee (Declaration) Notice No. 54 granting prima facie refugee status to asylum-seekers from Burundi. Detailed modalities under which the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) will be conducted for individuals fleeing Burundi have yet to be communicated. Meanwhile the average daily new arrivals’ figure has increased to 727 individuals (during 20 January and 2 February).

Protection staff from UNHCR had a meeting with the District Commissioner and immigration authorities in Ngara District following reports of some ad hoc screening activities conducted by the immigration officers at border posts in the district where some asylum-seekers were reportedly facing challenges in gaining entry into Tanzania. The implications and serious concerns were shared with UNHCR in Dar es Salaam. UNHCR then sent a formal communication to the Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs in Dar es Salaam for clarification and to find a solution.

1,496 Burundian refugees were in transit centers while around 1,990 individuals stayed outside due to lack of space. Most of them were women, children and older people.