• In Brief

Burundi

Children in Gasorwe camp for Congolese refugees.

Since 1993 conflict in Burundi has claimed more than 300,000 lives and displaced over one million people. Despite peace accords in 2000 and an improved security situation, the country still faces numerous challenges as refugees return home.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) began emergency assistance in the northern part of the country in 1996 to help those displaced by civil and ethnic fighting. 

How we help

  • The IRC supports Burundian refugees returning from camps in Tanzania as they reintegrate into their communities.
  • We provide life skills and job training for young people to help them succeed and become independent.
  • The IRC reunites separated children with their families and helps them transition back to school and family life.
  • We encourage women’s economic and social empowerment and improve services for survivors of sexual violence.
  • We promote democratic local governance to address local problems effectively.