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Office for the Coordination Bureau de Coordination Of Humanitarian Affairs in Des Affaires Humanitaires au Burundi http://ochaonline.un.org/Burundi http://ochaonline.un.org/Burundi Burundi Weekly Humanitarian News 08 – 14 DECEMBRE 2008 Activities and Updates

Cholera outbreak under control in Mwakiro and Kiganda communes respectively in Makamba, Muyinga and Muramvya provinces. The first cholera case was reported in Rugombo Several activities were also conducted within the th commune/ Cibitoke province on 14th November and framework of the celebration of 60 anniversary of confirmed by the laboratory of National Institute for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Public Health (INSP) three days later. Until 19th While 52 participants, including 14 women, mainly December, a total of 96 cases including one home local administrative authorities, religious and civil death (on 14th December) were treated in Cibitoke society representatives attended a sensitization hospital and other health centres. The most affected session in Mairie province, the official zones are the chef- lieu of Rugombo commune with commemoration of the event was chaired by the first a total of 60 cases. Thanks to the collaboration Vice- president, H.E. Dr Yves Sahinguvu in the between NGOs and local health services, the presence of DERSG Bintou Keita and the Vice situation is under control and no other case was minister of Human Rights in . received since the 15th December. Experts are waiting until 7 days to declare the end of the Assistance to Burundians expelled outbreak as reported by UNICEF. It is worth noticing from Tanzania that cholera outbreak in Cibitoke are recurrent and are mainly due to lack of access to potable water. The Government project for the reintegration of war- The development of a sustainable water provision affected persons (PARESI) registered 76 system is the only solution to the chronic cholera Burundians (42 families) expelled from Tanzania outbreaks. who arrived through the entry points of Gisuru / 46 persons (10 families), Mishiha / 34 persons (14 families), 16 day campaign to fight violence Mabanda / 21 persons (15 against woman and celebration of families) and Kobero / 3 persons the 60th anniversary of the (3 families). Universal Declaration of Human Since 01 January to 14 december 2008, 7,555 Rights expelled persons (3,097 families) have returned to their home country Within the framework of the 16-day campaign to fight violence against women, HR&JOs organised a sporting event in collaboration with the Women’s Repatriation and reintegration of Rights Association in Karusi Province. They also Burundian refugees attended the closing ceremonies of the campaign Statistics in Bugendana and Nyanza-Lac communes, During the reporting period, 1,106 returnees arrived respectively in and Makamba provinces. in Burundi. 1,050 among them returned from Meanwhile, in the context of the integrated strategy Tanzania’s Old Settlements to Makamba and 31 to fight sexual violence against women and children, from Nduta camp to Ruyigi. 25 returnees arrived three sensitization sessions were held in Mabanda, from Malawi.

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In 2008, 94,081 refugees have returned to Burundi: assistance so far pending the implementation of 435 in January, 1,991 in February, 8,377 in March, more appropriate measures. However, in Cendajuru 6,675 in April, 5,272 in May, 19,635 in June, 17,504 Commune, Cankuzo Province, an FDN soldier who in July, 9,640 in August, 8,441 in September, 6,857 attempted to kill a three-year-old albino child was in October, 6,495 in November and 2,759 so far in lynched by the local population, after he had December. The figures include the return of 29,967 succeeded in injuring the child’s father. refugees from 1972. Justice The results of the 13th meeting of the HR&JOs commended the release of six members of tripartite commission the “Mouvement pour la Solidarité et la Démocratie” The 13th meeting of the Tripartite Commission (MSD) from Police custody. They were arrested (Burundi, Tanzania, and UNHCR) on the return of while in possession of leaflets on 28 November, Burundian refugees from Tanzania was held in Dar during the appearance of Alexis Sinduhije before the es Salaam on 5 December. Tribunal de Grande Instance (TGI).

As conclusion, it was agreed that between mid- December and the end of March 2009, the return movement from Tanzania’s Old Settlements (refugees of 1972) shall be suspended. This should allow stake holders in Burundi to increase their reintegration efforts, notably concerning access to land. Repatriation from the Settlements will resume in the following period until end of October 2009. The number of refugees remaining in the Old Settlements who have indicated their wish to return is estimated at 25,000.

This does not mean that there will be no repatriation in the first quarter of 2009, as return of Burundians from Mtabila refugee camp (near Kasulu) will be ongoing.

As for camp-based refugees in Tanzania, the Tripartite Commission agreed that Nduta refugee camp (near Kibondo) will be closed by the end of 2008 and those not repatriating will be transferred to Mtabila camp, while “the Government of Tanzania and all stakeholders will work proactively towards its closure by 30 June 2009”. Currently, less than 50,000 refugees remain in the two camps.

Human rights Albinos case This week, Human Rights & Justice Officers (HR&JOs) followed up on the situation of albinos and were informed that a family that had fled its residence a few weeks ago had sought protection from administrative and police authorities in Gitega Commune and Province. They were joined by an albino mother. Meanwhile, in Vumbi Commune, Kirundo Province, two albino children who had also fled their residence reportedly arrived at the Chef lieu. Local authorities have been providing

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