 © UNHCR/Assadullah Nasrullah |
Since 1996, Rwanda has been hosting primarily Congolese refugees who — since the 2012-2013 renewed hostilities in eastern DRC caused a sudden influx of refugees — now number over 74,000. Rwanda and UNHCR work together to ensure protection and multisectoral assistance for all refugees and asylum seekers living in five camps throughout the country, including urban refugees in Kigali.Rwanda also continuously receives Rwandan returnees who are coming home since the 1951 Convention Cessation Clause was invoked in June 2013, and UNHCR with the Government and partners receives and assists returnees to reintegrate in Rwanda.As Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa and the continent’s most densely populated country, local integration for refugees has proven to be challenging. |
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News and stories about Rwanda
Rwandan refugees head home after a generation in Angola
After fleeing the horrors of the 1994 genocide, increasing numbers are ready to return to Rwanda, although many still worry about how they will cope after decades away.
Refugee and sexual violence survivor restores hope in Rwanda
Refugee from Democratic Republic of the Congo draws on her experience of sexual and gender-based violence to help others in Rwanda overcome abuse.
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.
Raising chickens proves best therapy for Congolese widows in Rwanda
A poultry project intended to provide income for widows helps heal the wounds of one of the worst massacres in Rwanda since the 1994 genocide.
UNHCR marks 16 Days of Activism against Sexual Violence
UNHCR chief António Guterres reiterates commitment to countering sexual and gender-based violence as refugee agency launches e-learning course.
Congolese refugee children attend catch-up classes in Rwanda
To date, almost 2,800 refugee children at Rwanda's Kigeme camp have registered for the orientation classes and more are expected to join.
UNHCR works to bring the perpetrators of sexual crime to justice
The UN refugee agency and its partners make it a priority to fight sexual violence in a Rwandan refugee camp and encourage people to speak out.
Number of Congolese in Rwanda transit camp passes 10,000
And UNHCR registers 1,422 Congolese in south-west Uganda following fighting in North Kivu, bringing the total since January to more than 21,000.
Concerns about shelter as Congolese refugees arrive in Rwanda
More than 6,200 people flee to Rwanda from Democratic Republic of the Congo's North Kivu province to escape latest fighting.
Almost 20,000 flee fresh fighting in eastern Congo's North Kivu province
Almost 20,000 people have fled to two sites near Goma, while more than 4,100 have crossed the border and sought shelter in Rwanda.
Rwandan gets on his bike in Johannesburg to raise funds for education
A former refugee takes part in a tough bicycle race to raise funds for a South African university scholarship programme and help others forced to flee.
Caring for the most vulnerable of the vulnerable: orphans in Brazzaville
Alphonse has had to flee his country, lost his mother and been accused of witchcraft. But the 12-year-old refugee is now surrounded by people who care.
UNHCR condemns forced return of 1,700 Rwandans from Uganda
UNHCR condemns the forced return of some 1,700 Rwandans from Uganda earlier this week. Two men died after jumping off trucks taking them to Rwanda.
Barcelona FC's president opens multi-purpose hall in Rwandan refugee camp
Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, opens a special community hall for Congolese refugees during a landmark visit to Kiziba camp in Rwanda.
UNHCR and Rwanda seek enduring solution for protracted refugee situation
UNHCR and Rwandan government pledge to work together to resolve the African country’s protracted refugee situation in the next two years.
UNHCR helps Rwandan civilians return home
Since the start of the year, UNHCR has helped more than 4,000 Rwandan refugees return home from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwandan refugee qualifies as a doctor thanks to DAFI programme
A Rwandan refugee who found safety in South Africa has now added the title doctor before his name - thanks to the DAFI scholarship programme.
Canadians' shoes are on the other foot now - in Rwanda
Refugee children in far-off Rwanda will now be able to walk comfortably to school thanks to shoes donated by Canadians.