OCHA Situation Report
Burundi
17 - 23 September 2007


ACTIVITIES AND UPDATES

Food security: implementation of agricultural season 2008-A continues.

Partners involved in the food sector continued to provide seeds and 
agricultural tools to the 201,800 identified vulnerable families, of 
whom 122,600 will be assisted by FAO/Emergency Rehabilitation and 
Coordination Unit (ERCU) through direct distribution and seed fairs. At 
the end of the reporting week, FAO/ERCU and its partners have covered 
75% of the planned distribution activities. Out of the 7,100 identified 
vulnerable families to be assisted through the seed fairs, 4,800 have 
already received the seeds in Gitega, Kirundo, Mwaro and Rutana 
provinces. In collaboration with FAO/ERCU, Food for the Hungry 
International (FHI) successfully organized three seed fairs in Bugabira 
commune/Kirundo Province. Beneficiaries are comprised of 2,400 
vulnerable households who have access to land. Identification of these 
beneficiaries and the validation of their lists were completed publicly 
so as to allow the population to confirm those who meet the eligibility 
criteria. Whilst the seed distribution activities have progressed 
satisfactorily, it is feared that, due to late rains, the implementation 
of the current agricultural season could be jeopardized. The risk that 
the beneficiaries consume the seeds despite food rations remains high 
especially because they are going through a lean period.

Assistance to Burundians expelled from Tanzania

During the reporting period, the Government project for the 
reintegration of war-affected persons (PARESI) registered 350 persons 
(138 families) who arrived from Tanzania through the entry point of 
Kobero/Muyinga province (61 persons/28 families) and through 
Mishiha/Cankuzo province (289 persons/110 families). Since January 2007, 
PARESI has recorded 8,569 expelled persons (4,181 families).

Update on repatriation and refugees

Over the reporting week, a total of 1,788 were registered of whom 1,772 
benefited from repatriation facilities by UNHCR. The majority arrived 
from Tanzania - 498 through Mabanda/Makamba Province, 403 through 
Kobero/Muyinga province and 871 through Gisuru/Ruyigi. Another 15 
arrived from South Africa (2), Kenya (6) and Zambia (7).

After the expansion of the transit camp of Musasa/Ngozi Province, UNHCR 
has resumed the transfer of Congolese refugees from Bujumbura on 
September 19. To date, a total of 1,471 persons, bringing the total 
number of Congolese refugees in Musasa transit camp to approximately 
6,600. It is expected that these refugees will be relocated to the 
refugee camp which is being set up in Giharo Commune/Rutana Province as 
soon as it is ready.

Over the reporting week, a total of 1,788 were registered of whom 1,772 
benefited from repatriation facilities by UNHCR. The majority arrived 
from Tanzania - 498 through Mabanda/Makamba Province, 403 through 
Kobero/Muyinga province and 871 through Gisuru/Ruyigi. Another 15 
arrived from South Africa (2), Kenya (6) and Zambia (7).

After the expansion of the transit camp of Musasa/Ngozi Province, UNHCR 
has resumed the transfer of Congolese refugees from Bujumbura on 
September 19. To date, a total of 1,471 persons, bringing the total 
number of Congolese refugees in Musasa transit camp to approximately 
6,600. It is expected that these refugees will be relocated to the 
refugee camp which is being set up in Giharo Commune/Rutana Province as 
soon as it is ready.

Update on food aid distribution

Last week, in collaboration with its partners, WFP distributed 1,598 MT 
of food to 210,605 beneficiaries including mostly vulnerable families 
(151,210) identified for the seed protection rations.

WFP plans to promote the use fuel efficient stoves (FES) as means of 
wise use of energy and of enhancing the protection of the environment. 
To this end, under its School feeding programme, WFP has constructed 
three FES in Ruyigi, Makamba and Rutana provinces. It is expected that 
members of school feeding committees will acquire the technique for the 
construction of these FES and then disseminate it on the community 
level. WFP has started to mobilize resources in order to construct such 
FES nationwide. This approach will be extended to the Food for Work 
program of which activities also aim at the protection of the 
environment.

Protection: assistance to unaccompanied children

IRC assisted the repatriation and the identification of 12 unaccompanied 
children and 10 expelled ones in Muyinga Province. As part of its 
monitoring/follow-up efforts, IRC protection staff conducted follow-up 
visits to 85 unaccompanied children in the provinces of Bujumbura 
Mairie, Makamba, Ruyigi and Muyinga. Furthermore, IRC assisted them with 
food, non food items (NFI), construction material, healthcare and the 
setting up of income generating activities. Under this scheme, temporary 
foster families also received food and NFI. Equally 58 returnee children 
including 14 expelled children received school material assistance 
composed of notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, sheets, blankets and 
towels.

Water and sanitation

During the week under review, IRC officially handed over 33 water 
sources, 2 adduction systems and 18 blocs of latrines in Gisuru 
commune/Ruyigi province. This will help increase hygiene in schools and 
for the communities in the commune.

For more information:
  E-mail: ocha-burundi@un.org
  Tel: +257 22 205000 Ext. 5542

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