International Rescue Committee UK

Tanzania has been home to tens of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo who have been arriving as a result of various crises and conflicts for over three decades.

The International Rescue Committee has operated in the Kigoma region of western Tanzania since 1993 providing health services, support to survivors of gender-based violence, camp management, education, protection and preparation for repatriation to refugees across a number of camps.

Since 2001, the IRC has administered a programme to assist communities who host large refugee populations and to promote beneficial relationships between the two.

The IRC supports refugee repatriation to Burundi and DR Congo in all sites. In Kibondo and Kigoma, IRC provides medical escorts during the journeys to Burundi and DR Congo, respectively. In Kasulu, as part of camp management responsibilities, the IRC supports registration for repatriation.

At all sites in Tanzania, the IRC is involved in information dissemination as an important aspect of informed and voluntary return.