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).

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.

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.

The Burundi Situation needs urgent funding, as the total amount of contributions amounts to 1% of the overall needs. There are significant needs in refugee settlements, as the overall refugee population has grown to over 400,000, with new arrivals coming on a daily basis.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is forced to implement food cuts in the region, affecting Burundian refugees in Tanzania and Rwanda. In Rwanda food assistance is secured only until the end of April. A possible drastic cut in food rations is foreseen in the month of May (51%) and onwards, if no further contributions are received from donors.

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.

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.

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.

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).