An evaluation of the 23,203 seedlings planted since 2015 in Lusenda camp assessed that 64% of them were growing well, thanks to sensitization sessions.

UNHCR launched the 2017 Supplementary Appeal for the Burundi Situation. Currently 2% of the overall funding requirements (US$ 250 million) has been received. More funding is urgently needed to increase capacity and to decongest overcrowded camps.

Individual Refugee Status Determination processing has commenced in Nduta Camp in Tanzania for some 28,000 Burundian asylum seekers living in the camp. Tanzania has lifted prima facie refugee recognition in January 2017, after which arrival rates dropped significantly. Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC continue to accept Burundians on prima facie basis.

As of 31 August 2017, the number of new arrivals was 4,887 since January 2017. The arrival rate over the year is an average of 20 individuals per day so far. Of the 4,887 new arrivals, 52% have settled in Reception Centers and the rest of 48% have settled in urban areas ( Kigali, Huye).

On 30 June, a first case of Ebola was confirmed in Ariwara, Aru Territory, DRC. In order to strengthen preventive measures to contain the virus, UNHCR and its partners conducted four mass sensitization sessions in Biringi, Aru and Aba targeting refugees and host community members.

Majority of Burundian refugees in Rwanda are engaged in agriculture. An average of 312 refugees per day were employed in Moringa tree plantation near Mahama refugee camp.

UNHCR is not promoting voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees, it supports the exercise to ensure that all returns are safe and dignified, and the result of a free and informed choice.

UNHCR welcomes Uganda Communications Commission directive to improve refugees’ access to SIM cards.

UNHCR’s Representative in Uganda today handed over three ambulances, thirty one motorcycles and a thermal scanner to the Ministry of Health to boost the Ebola response. Uganda has included refugees in the National Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan and continues to keep its borders open, ensuring safe and dignified asylum for the women, children and men arriving daily from the neighbouring countries.

From 7 September 2017 to 31 July 2019, 74,979 refugees voluntarily returned to Burundi in an organized manner with the support of UNHCR.