The Returnees

an example from Burundi

Years of conflict and a decade of civil war forced 770,000 Burundian refugees to flee to neighbouring Tanzania. A fragile peace has seen more than half the refugees return home, with more arriving every month, only to find their homeland devastated by war.

After years living in refugee camps, many discover their homes in ruins or occupied by others. Their land has often been seized by those who arrived home first. Without land or crops, food is scarce. Without money or the means of earning a living, the majority cannot afford health care, whilst 67% have no access to water within 1km. Hygiene and sanitation are poor. Schools have been raised to the ground or severely damaged and the education system is weak.

Our Country office in the capital Bujumbura supports a field office in Rutana Province, where we are concentrating on helping the Giharo Commune of 20,000 returnees and providing water and sanitation across the province.