 © UNHCR/Sebastian Rich |
Burundi is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa and the 2009 African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (“Kampala Convention”). More than 99% of refugees in the country originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo; the rest are from Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan and other countries. |
News and stories about Burundi
Burundi refugees tell of new horrors
A year after political protests erupted in Burundi, those who ran for their lives to neighbouring Tanzania bear tales of mass murder, torture and imprisonment.
Running from rape in Burundi
Women and men fleeing Burundi are reaching Tanzania with harrowing tales of sexual violence.
Number of Burundian refugees tops 250,000 since April
At least 250,473 refugees have fled to DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced run for third term.
Thousands of refugees continue to flee Burundi - UNHCR
Nearly 10,000 Burundian refugees fled the country over the weekend before borders were closed.
More refugees flee Burundi ahead of elections - UNHCR
Since early May more than 66,000 refugees have fled their homes in Burundi, over 6,000 of them over the last 3 days.
More people flee Burundi ahead of elections - UNHCR
More than 600 people are currently crossing each day into Rwanda, and several hundreds more into Tanzania, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cholera containment measures stall death rate in Tanzania refugee camp
The reduction in reported cholera cases is largely due to the concerted approach to contain the spread of the outbreak through intensified measures to promote hygiene.
Cholera epidemic claims 31 lives in Tanzania, including 29 Burundian refugees
The epidemic declared by Tanzania's government has become a new, worrying, and growing additional complication at a time when Burundian refugees are arriving.
UNHCR says more than 105,000 refugees have fled violence in Burundi
The UN refugee agency has hired a ferry to help more than 50,000 refugees who are facing dire conditions in a border village on Lake Tanganyika
More than 50,000 flee Burundi to escape spiralling violence
About half have fled to Rwanda, but in the past week larger numbers have crossed to Tanzania. In addition, some 8,000 people have entered Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Almost 21,000 Burundians flee to Rwanda this month to escape electoral violence
Most of the refugees are women and children, who say they have experienced intimidation and threats of violence linked to the June 26 presidential election.
More than 8,000 Burundians flee the country to escape pre-election violence
With political tension rising and more acts of violence being reported, UNHCR is concerned that more people may flee in the run up to key elections starting in May.
Fishing for a living in the desert wastes of northern Kenya
Most of his Burundian refugee neighbours thought Noah Ilambona had been in the sun too long when he unveiled plans to start a fish farm in Kakuma camp.
Tanzania grants citizenship to 162,000 Burundian refugees in historic decision
GENEVA, October 17, (UNHCR) The UN refugee agency has welcomed Tanzania's decision to grant citizenship to 162,156 former Burundian refugees, marking the largest group in UNHCR's history to which naturalisation...
UNHCR responds after annual rains claim another victim in Kakuma
Burundian refugee Leonie was distraught when her husband was killed in flash floods in northern Kenya. UNHCR will help her recover from her loss.
Hounded from home, raped Congolese woman seeks refuge in Burundi
Mama Monique's life has changed drastically. She used to run a successful business selling jewellery. Now she is a widow and living in exile in Burundi.
Refugee and citizens share danger and generosity in Burundi
An 80-year-old Congolese woman refugee and her family were taken in by a Burundian neighbour after her house was destroyed by floods in the capital.
UNHCR scheme helps refugees in Burundi rediscover the joy of shopping
A voucher payment programme not only helps empower the refugees, it also introduces variety into their daily diet and stimulates the local economy.