BURUNDI-RWANDA: Kigali, Bujumbura, UN refugee agency sign repatriation deal

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

KIGALI, 19 Aug 2005 (IRIN) - Rwanda, Burundi and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, signed on Thursday in Kigali, Rwanda, an agreement that lays the ground rules for the voluntarily repatriation of thousands of Burundian refugees.

Rwanda and Burundi have in the past been criticised for forcefully repatriating refugees, contrary to international conventions on rights of refugees.

"The Government of the Republic of Rwanda undertakes to guarantee the voluntary character of the repatriation of Burundian refugees and will take, in consultation with UNHCR, all measures necessary to uphold this fundamental principle inherent to international protection," the signed tripartite agreement says.

In June, Rwanda was criticised for forcefully repatriating some 5,000 Rwandan asylum seekers from neighbouring Burundi.

Under the new agreement, refugees would be informed about the security situation in Burundi before freely deciding whether or not to be repatriated without coercion or pressure.

"The Republic of Burundi shall take all measures necessary to ensure that the refugees' voluntary repatriation takes place in safety and dignity and to create conditions conducive to their reintegration," the agreement read.

Rwandan agreed to ensure the safety and security of the repatriating refugees while on its territory, including those in refugee camps, transit areas and during transport movements.

UNHCR pledged to organise one repatriation convoy per week taking back at least 500 persons.

There are an estimated 7,000 Burundian refugees in Rwanda. As peace returns to the tiny central African nation, many of the refugees have shown interest in returning to their country.

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