The Coalition for the Defence of Human Rights of Refugees Living in Camps (CDH/VICAR) issues an urgent alert regarding the continued and systematic demolition of shelters belonging to Burundian refugees in Tanzania. As of 7:50 a.m. local time, demolitions are actively ongoing. After the complete destruction of shelters in Zone 13, operations have now extended to Zone 12, with Zone 11 announced as the next target.
These actions are being carried out by the Tanzanian Police and the Sungusungu, acting under governmental authority. Thousands of refugees, including children, women, elderly persons, and other highly vulnerable individuals, are being left without shelter, exposed to rain, insecurity, and severe humanitarian distress. This escalation confirms a deliberate and organized campaign rather than isolated incidents.
CDH/VICAR strongly denounces the coercive nature of these demolitions, which are clearly designed to pressure refugees into registering for return to Burundi. Forcing people into homelessness to compel “voluntary” repatriation is a gross contradiction and constitutes a serious violation of international refugee law, including the principles of non-refoulement and voluntary, safe, and dignified return.
Equally alarming is the continued silence of UNHCR, which publicly maintains that repatriation remains voluntary while failing to intervene or speak out as refugees’ homes are destroyed in real time. This silence gravely undermines UNHCR’s protection mandate and risks normalizing unlawful practices that endanger refugee lives. CDH/VICAR urgently calls on the Tanzanian authorities, UNHCR, and the international community to immediately halt all demolitions, end coercive practices, and uphold their legal and moral responsibilities. States must uphold their commitments.
