Forced Repatriation Interviews Threaten Burundian Refugees in Tanzania

CDH/VICAR raises urgent alarm over the ongoing repatriation interviews conducted by Tanzanian authorities in the Nyarugusu and Nduta refugee camps since early May 2025. Burundian refugees are being questioned under a single, coercive premise: “Why don’t you want to return?”. While additional questions are asked, all revolve around this central theme, effectively pressuring refugees to justify their continued stay.

During these interviews, refugees are denied access to their own responses and are not permitted to review what authorities record on their behalf. This lack of transparency undermines any notion of voluntary participation and violates fundamental principles of fair treatment and informed consent under international refugee law.

At the conclusion of each interview, refugees face an extreme ultimatum: sign the documents presented to them or be forcibly transported back to Burundi. Tanzanian authorities justify these measures as part of the final phase of the repatriation process, creating a climate of fear and coercion within the camps.

CDH/VICAR calls on the Tanzanian government, UNHCR, and international partners to immediately halt these practices. Refugees must not be subjected to intimidation or forced return, and States must uphold their commitments to the principles of voluntary repatriation, protection, and human dignity. Transparent, rights-respecting procedures are essential to safeguard lives and restore trust in humanitarian operations.