KEY FIGURES
As of 26 May, 2016
142,181
Total Burundian population of concern
139,350
Total Burundian population post influx
65,427
Total Burundian population in Nyarugusu Camp (Pre-Influx + Influx)
55,100
Total population in Nduta Camp
18,717
Total population in Mtendeli Camp
106
Total population in Lumasi Transit Site
HIGHLIGHTS
Relocation Movements and New Arrivals
During the period from 12 May to 26 May 2016, Mtendeli camp received a total of 2,397 Burundian refugees in three relocation convoys from Nyarugusu camp, bringing the total number of relocated refugees as of 8 April 2016 to 10,405 persons. UNHCR continue to prioritise the relocation of refugees who are presently located in Nyarugusu camp. However, the relocation of refugees from Nyarugusu camp was temporarily suspended on 23 May 2016 for a two week period in order to complete infrastructure works on the western side of Mtendeli camp. In addition, a total of 1,039 refugees were transported, by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to Mtendeli camp from various border entry points, and registered. The largest number of new arrivals came from Makamba, Ruyigi, Bururi, Muyinga provinces, Burundi and other rural areas.
Mtendeli Camp Water Supply
The third borehole in Mtendeli camp has been equipped with the submersible pump and connected to the water supply network. This has then helped to address the previously reported water restrictions, which resulted in the closing of tap-stands for several hours per day. The increased water supply at Mtendeli camp is expected to support approximately 25,000 persons. This will continue to expand as additional boreholes are in the process of being drilled. A hydrologist was deployed to the UNHCR Kibondo Sub Office for 10 days to provide technical support, to UNHCR and its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) partners on activities associated with the drilling of additional water wells. However, the challenges to find sufficient water supply in Mtendeli camp and the need to complete access roads to new drillings sites, continues.
Connectivity for Refugees
The Connectivity for Refugees is a new UNHCR Initiative with pilot projects in Greece, Jordan and Tanzania. By connecting refugees and host communities to mobile networks and the internet UNHCR aims to improve protection, education, health, self-reliance and community empowerment. In addition, the initiative aims to develop creative partnerships and smart investments. Despite the presence of mobile networks, refugees still face several barriers to connectivity, which impacts on their ability to access vital information and empower themselves. As such, UNHCR’s Strategy for connecting refugees focus on addressing challenges related to Availability, Affordability and Usability. During the reporting period the draft Terms of Reference for UNHCR’s internal Connectivity Working Group was shared for comments. In parallel, discussions were held with Good Neighbours Tanzania on identifying possible phone charging solutions for refugees. The phone charging solutions will then be linked to their livelihood activities which provides the option for them to pay up to 500 Tanzanian Shillings to charge their phones due to the lack of reliable energy sources. Subsequently, Halotel have agreed to assess network coverage in all three camps and have indicated a willingness to set up an outlet to sell affordable phones, once permission is received from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Airtel will also assess the network coverage in all three camps during the coming week.