Celebrating Tanzania’s Role in Global Refugee Protection: World Refugee Day, June 20, 2024

By Adonis Byemelwa

On June 20, 2024, we commemorate World Refugee Day, honoring Tanzania's unwavering commitment to supporting those in need. Over the years, Tanzania has continued to host refugees, asylum-seekers, and other people of concern, with the current number standing at about 237,997.

 This journey of resilience and compassion towards comprehensive refugee protection and integration in settlements such as Nyarugusu, Nduta, and Mtendeli in the Northwestern region is rooted in humanitarian principles and enshrined within national policies. Tanzania’s vision goes beyond borders to foster social cohesion, and economic development, and safeguard the fundamental rights of all individuals.

This monumental journey is a testament to Tanzania’s proactive stance, offering clear guidance on the protection and assistance of asylum seekers, refugees, former refugees, and returnees, ensuring security while championing humanity.

 As a country that has consistently adhered to international humanitarian principles and agreements, Tanzania provides access to asylum procedures, protection, and basic services for refugees and asylum-seekers.

As a Media Development Trainer and Journalist who has covered assignments in nearly all refugee settlements in Tanzania since 2017, I have seen firsthand the significance of media in shaping perceptions and fostering understanding. In commemoration of the 2024 World Refugee Day, I recommend the following:

Journalists from broadcast, print, and multimedia should be trained in the coverage and documentation of refugee stories to popularize the activities in this humanitarian undertaking. This is also a way to make citizens appreciate the peace and tranquility fostered by these efforts.

Additionally, the UN and the Tanzanian government could consider setting up a radio station with broadcasting studios in all refugee settlements to enhance access to information and disseminate details about entrepreneurship activities in these settlements.

Quarterly documentation of refugee stories across all media platforms should be conducted to showcase the strides made by UN agencies like UNHCR, UNICEF, and the government in improving the welfare of individuals in these settlements, such as through the promotion of sports and alternative sources of livelihood.

Tanzania’s commitment to hosting and supporting refugees has earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s most generous refugee-hosting countries. Despite the challenges posed by the influx of refugees, Tanzania has shown incredible compassion and resilience, prioritizing the needs and rights of refugees and asylum-seekers.

Since gaining independence in 1961, Tanzania has consistently upheld its commitment to offering refuge to those in need. The country’s geographical location makes it a natural destination for individuals seeking safety and protection.

 Sharing borders with several volatile regions, including Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania has become a beacon of hope for those forced to flee their homes due to violence, political turmoil, or other threats.

In addition to its compassionate response to the arrival of refugees, Tanzania has implemented innovative strategies to support their integration and self-reliance. Through various programs, refugees are provided with opportunities for education, vocational training, and livelihood initiatives.

 These initiatives not only empower individuals to rebuild their lives but also contribute to the local economy, fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding between refugees and host communities.

As of 31 May 2024, Tanzania hosted 237,997 refugees and asylum-seekers, mainly from Burundi and the DRC. Approximately 83 percent of the refugees in Tanzania live in two camps located in the Northwestern region of Kigoma: Nduta and Nyarugusu Camps. Nyarugusu Camp, the largest, hosts 135,336 refugees, while Nduta Camp accommodates 61,709 refugees. Other smaller settlements include Katumba, Ulyankulu, and Mishamo, among others.

Drawing parallels from Tanzania’s efforts, we can see similar humanitarian endeavors globally. For instance, in Tanzania's Lugufu camp, Congolese refugees eagerly celebrated World Refugee Day with song, dance, and performances that highlighted their plight and aspirations. Such events underscore the importance of education, the challenges of restricted movement, and the dire need for adequate food aid.

The theme for this year's World Refugee Day, "Refugee Youth: Building the Future," was chosen to highlight the challenges faced by millions of young refugees. Of the estimated 20 million people cared for by UNHCR today, seven million are youngsters between the ages of 12 and 24.

 In Lugufu camp, events to mark World Refugee Day began with a parade of thousands of children from nine primary and secondary schools in Lugufu II, which soon turned into a Congolese dance around the large school grounds.

A refugee drama group in the camp underscored the importance of education and the harmful effects of alcoholism, particularly on families. In one skit, performers stressed that education was the key to a better life in exile in Tanzania and also back home, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country many of Lugufu's refugees left in 1997/98. There was a light moment of laughter when the theatre group pointed out that without a good education, one could not marry a Westerner.

Kigoma-born Sunday Manara, a famous footballer in Tanzania, participated in the day's events in Lugufu. A leading sports icon, Manara has played for the Tanzanian national soccer team as well as other small football teams in Austria and the Netherlands.

 He encouraged the refugee youth to strive hard to make something of their lives and pleaded with African leaders to stop the wars and conflicts that have ravaged the continent.

When the day's events drew to a close, all participants received prizes for their efforts. These included high-protein biscuits donated by WFP, jerry cans from UNICEF, buckets of water from the European Community Aid Office (ECHO), and T-shirts from UNHCR.

Today, on World Refugee Day, we honor the resilience of the 250,000 refugees and asylum-seekers who have found sanctuary in Tanzania. This East African nation has provided a haven for people fleeing conflict and persecution from countries like Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Comoros, and Eritrea. Tanzania's unwavering commitment to supporting refugees has earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s most generous refugee-hosting countries.

Since gaining independence in 1961, Tanzania has consistently upheld its commitment to offering refuge to those in need. The country adheres to international humanitarian principles, providing access to asylum procedures, protection, and essential services for refugees and asylum-seekers.

The government, in collaboration with organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and various NGOs, tirelessly works to ensure the well-being of those seeking sanctuary.

Tanzania's innovative strategies for supporting refugees include programs that provide education, vocational training, and livelihood initiatives. These efforts empower individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to the local economy, fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding between refugees and host communities.

“As a refugee myself, the message of World Refugee Day resonates deeply. My family found compassion in the UK after fleeing persecution, allowing us to rebuild our lives and integrate into British society. Today, I strive to give back and show how welcoming others can change lives,” says a refugee Rutendo Kyiondere from the DRC.

However, the global reality remains challenging. The number of forcibly displaced people has reached over 120 million, with 43.3 million classified as refugees, according to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends report.

Often, the poorest nations bear the brunt of this crisis, hosting 75% of the world's refugees. This highlights the urgent need for a "fair share" approach to refugee resettlement. Wealthier nations must do more to share the responsibility and provide support for those fleeing persecution. The current imbalance, where the poorest countries shoulder the heaviest burden, is simply unsustainable.

UNHCR reports highlight that "Tanzania, like Zambia, has shown how refugee-hosting nations can foster hope and resilience among those seeking sanctuary." As of May 31, 2024, Tanzania hosted 237,997 refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from Burundi and the DRC. Approximately 83 percent of these refugees live in two camps located in the Northwestern region of Kigoma: Nduta and Nyarugusu Camps.

UNHCR supports the Tanzanian government in fulfilling its international obligations, providing refugees with protection, and seeking durable solutions to their situations. In line with the aspirations of the Global Compact for Refugees, UNHCR also supports the United Nations Kigoma Joint Programme, which focuses on supporting host communities and mitigating the negative impacts of refugee presence.

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, often states, “Solidarity and cooperation are our most powerful tools to ensure that refugees and host communities can thrive together.” By continuing to showcase and build upon Tanzania's exceptional efforts, we can inspire a global movement towards more equitable and humane refugee policies, ensuring that the dignity and rights of refugees are upheld worldwide.