The goal of a repatriation in safety and dignity remains a priority for UNHCR and its partners, including the DGRRR. During 2018, the rhythm of repatriation movement has been influenced by three events: first, the tripartite decision in March to increase the number of returnees by 1,000 people in each convoy. Although UNHCR and its partner provide returnees with secondary transport to the main towns along the communes once arriving, the returnees are often forced to spend a large part of their cash grants in order to cover the last and final leg of their journey, further into the colline. Monitoring conducted in the areas of return revealed further difficulties faced by returnees. Given the challenging economic environment, the return package remains insufficient to cover the needs of households over the three-month period. Furthermore, it is unlikely the socio-political realities will change in 2020. The ability of the state to provide resources and other holistic assistance to returnees in areas of return will remain weak.
In 2020, UNHCR Burundi anticipates the return of 50,000 Burundians. The rationale behind this planning figure is rooted in the coming elections, which could drastically curtail the number of Burundian refugees willing to return. This figure, of course, could change depending on the post-electoral context. Nevertheless, in order to meet anticipated needs, adequate logistics, materials, and human resources must be considered and allocated to UNHCR’s operational partners: Caritas, IRC, COPED and GVC in order to provide the vital and specialized services to returnees. Replicating the same Transit Centre model as in the past, partners, with UNHCR’s direct support, will be in charge of providing every returnee with shelter and assistance, including those with specific needs, ranging from unaccompanied minors, SGBV survivors, to patients with general and chronic health issues. WFP will continue to provide the beneficiaries with food assistance during their stay in all six transit centers, including warm meals and the nutrition component of the return package. UNHCR will examine the condition of the six transit centers and if required, measures will be taken to rehabilitate and upgrade them in order to ensure the accommodation of returnees meets a high standard of hygiene, dignity and safety. The DGRRR will also be on site, to provide returnees with a certificate of recognition to facilitate their access to administrative services at a local level. Under the supervision of the DGRRR, returnees will be transferred to the capital of the commune with which they wish to settle in while persons with special needs will be accompanied directly to the nearest point of their actual area of return. Working alongside decentralized state structures, while also reinforcing their capacity, UNHCR will achieve greater shared responsibility and effective management of all individual cases.