Photo of the week: UNHCR-Uganda investigates the reasons for the non-voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees

For almost two weeks, UNHCR has been conducting interviews with Burundian refugees to find out why they do not want to return voluntarily and en masse. Those concerned do not understand the reasons for this survey and fear harmful consequences.
INFO SOS Médias Burundi
The census, conducted in the form of an individual survey, concerns Burundian refugees who fled in 2015 and 2016. UNHCR explained that these are routine activities to update data.
A family member aged 18 and over must respond to this interview. An adapted questionnaire is already available from UNHCR interviewers and refugees only answer the pre-established questions. The survey is taking place in the Rubondo area hosting several Burundians.
« Personal identification, year of arrival at the camp, living conditions, etc. », these are some of the elements of the said interview that are worrying in the Nakivale camp.
An important detail is highlighted. « Are you planning to return to the country? When? Yes or No? If the answer is ‘No’, the investigators continue: why? », testify refugees who were subjected to this exercise.
It is this last part that scares some.
« Why ask us when we will return home and the reasons when it should be the one who wants to return who presents himself for administrative and logistical formalities? There must be something unsaid behind this census », say Burundians living in Nakivale.
The reasons given for the non-return are multiple. For some, they talk about the worrying human rights situation in Burundi, the killings, the arbitrary imprisonments and for others they fear persecution once they return or those who talk about extreme poverty.
They all agree to recommend that there be no consequences for the answers given or even a refoulement, much less a forced repatriation following the results of this highly criticized survey.
The UNHCR reassures
In 2023, a similar survey was conducted for those who fled in 2008 and 2010 and who are still in exile. The UNHCR explains that the purpose is to produce a condensed report that has nothing to worry about the lives of refugees.
Initially, the survey should target more than 36,000 Burundian refugees according to our sources, but it is being carried out while the Nakivale camp has over 33,000.
Our photo: several Burundian refugees at a UNHCR investigators’ census center in Nakivale, December 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)