In response to the continued calls from Congolese refugees seeking voluntary return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Burundian League for Human Rights (Ligue Iteka) and King Umurundi Freedom have released Alert No. 8, focusing on the evolving situation at the Busuma site.
While welcoming the efforts made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Government of Burundi, and their partners in organizing voluntary repatriation convoys, our organizations note that the current pace of returns remains insufficient to meet the expectations of the thousands of refugees wishing to return to their country, particularly to enable their children to resume their education.
In light of the recent tensions observed at the Busuma site, the Burundian League for Human Rights (Ligue Iteka) and King Umurundi Freedom call on UNHCR and all partners to accelerate repatriation procedures and increase the number of refugees repatriated in each convoy, while ensuring that every return remains voluntary, safe, dignified, and fully compliant with international law.
This alert is signed by Vianney NIZIGIYIMANA, President of King Umurundi Freedom, and Anschaire NIKOYAGIZE, President of the Burundian League for Human Rights