from AlertNet
Today, Friday, High Commissioner António Guterres is starting a four-day mission to Tanzania during which he will launch a two-year programme to end one of the world's most protracted refugee situations – the exile of some 218,000 Burundians who fled their country in 1972. This will be one of our most important programmes on the African continent this year.
After 35 years, the breakthrough came in late 2007 when the government of Tanzania indicated its intention to close the so-called 'Old Settlements' hosting Burundian refugees from 1972. They have been living in three designated settlements in western Tanzania – Ulyankulu, Katumba and Mishamo.
The governments of Tanzania and Burundi expressed their wish to find lasting solutions for these refugees and worked with UNHCR on a strategy to bring the situation to a close. Some refugees have chosen to return home while others who wish to stay will be registered for possible naturalisation.
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Friday, March 7, 2008
Tanzania: Guterres visits to launch programme to end protracted situation
