Tanzania: Refugee Organisation Concerned Over 'Relocation'

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) on Monday expressed concern at the possible relocation of Burundian refugees in Tanzania following a recent statement by Tanzania's President Benjamin Mkapa. "JRS Eastern Africa is very concerned with the news of a possible relocation of over half a million Burundian refugees in the wake of a statement from President Mkapa of Tanzania on 24 May 2001," the statement said. Mkapa had suggested to the UN Security Council delegation who were visiting the Great Lakes region at the time that the Burundian refugees currently being hosted in his country should be relocated to so-called "safe zones" inside Burundi. "JRS feels strongly that to force refugees in Tanzania back into Burundi at the present time would not only increase the level of violence within Burundi where already many Burundians are internally displaced, but would be a contravention of the 1951 Refugee Convention," the statement added.

Expressing its sympathy with Tanzania with the slow pace of the Burundian peace process, JRS said it was "surprised by the exaggerated and harsh criticism of Tanzania" by the Burundian government. "We urge the Tanzanian authorities to continue to be patient until the time when Burundian refugees choose to go home freely and in conditions of guaranteed security and dignity," the statement said.

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