The government of Tanzania has shut down a major refugee housing camp and repatriated thousands of Burundi nationals, according to rights groups and the United Nations.

The closure of the Nduta camp in northwestern Tanzania follows an agreement between authorities in Dar es Salaam and Bujumbura to return about 100,000 Burundian refugees by June.

Thousands Repatriated as Camp Shuts Down

Human rights group Coalition for Human Rights/Living in Refugee Camps (CDH/VICAR) said roughly 3,000 remaining refugees in Nduta were forcibly transported back to Burundi. Only a few families reportedly remained, awaiting relocation to the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, which is also scheduled for closure by June 30.

As of late 2025, about 142,000 Burundian refugees were living in Nduta and Nyarugusu camps, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Many had fled years of civil unrest, political instability, and economic hardship in Burundi.

Allegations of Forced Returns

CDH/VICAR accused Tanzanian authorities of using coercive tactics to accelerate repatriation. These reportedly included restrictions on movement, pressure to register for return, linking aid to repatriation, and demolition of shelters.

The group also cited allegations of intimidation, arrests, and night-time violence, claiming these actions forced many refugees to leave.

UN Responds to Criticism

The UNHCR confirmed the camp closure but said it was carried out by the Tanzanian government under an agreement supporting voluntary repatriation.

A spokesperson maintained that the agency had repeatedly stressed that all returns must be voluntary, safe, and dignified, adding that concerns over alleged abuses had been raised with authorities when reported.

However, a UN official speaking anonymously acknowledged the repatriations while declining to comment on claims of coercion.

Uncertain Future for Remaining Refugees

With both Nduta and Nyarugusu camps set to close, questions remain over the conditions of return and the long-term safety of repatriated refugees.

Rights groups continue to warn that forced returns could expose vulnerable populations to renewed instability, while authorities maintain that the process aligns with regional agreements on refugee management.

The post Tanzania Closes Refugee Housing Camp, Repatriates Burundians appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The United Nations refugee agency is not just repairing homes damaged by Russian attacks in Ukraine—they’re committed to rebuilding them to a higher standard than before the war, says project lead Richard Evans.

Richard Evans, the emergency shelter and housing lead for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is at the forefront of efforts to restore homes devastated by the war triggered by Russia’s invasion in February 2022. While the task of rebuilding homes is monumental, Evans is determined to go beyond mere restoration, aiming to improve the quality of housing across Ukraine.

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“We are trying to improve the housing stock as we go,” Evans told Dezeen in an interview, highlighting the importance of not just repairing but upgrading homes to meet modern standards.

According to the World Bank’s latest rapid damage and needs assessment, more than two million housing units in Ukraine have been destroyed or damaged since the onset of the conflict. Despite continued rocket attacks and other hostilities, the UNHCR has repaired over 29,000 private homes, offering a glimmer of hope to those affected.

Evans explained that many homes in Ukraine were in poor condition even before the war, often dating back to the Soviet era with little to no updates. This reality has driven the UNHCR to build back better, incorporating modern amenities such as triple-glazed windows and insulation to protect residents from harsh winters.

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“Ukraine had a shortage of affordable and adequate housing before the war,” Evans noted, emphasizing the need to raise the living standards in the country. “The majority of the housing stock was very old—80 percent of the buildings were built during the Soviet era, and 40 percent of Ukrainians were living in houses that had never been renovated.”

In addition to rebuilding, the UNHCR has employed multiple methods to give Ukrainians some control over how they receive aid. Homeowners can choose to self-repair with provided materials, hire contractors with financial aid from the UNHCR, or have the UNHCR organize the repairs directly.

For homes that have been completely destroyed, the UNHCR’s CoreHome program collaborates with Ukrainian manufacturers to build prefabricated homes on the homeowners’ land, allowing families to remain on their property while their homes are rebuilt.

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Evans also addressed the challenges faced by nearly four million internally displaced people in Ukraine. The UNHCR has worked on nearly 250 collective sites, such as university accommodations, to make them more suitable for long-term living. However, Evans stressed the need for more sustainable housing solutions, advocating for social housing and affordable homes to address the long-term needs of displaced Ukrainians.

Through these initiatives, the UNHCR is not only providing immediate relief but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient future in Ukraine. As Evans puts it, the goal is to find “durable solutions” that offer displaced people a stable, long-term living arrangement, whether that means returning home or integrating into new communities.

The post UNHCR Leads the Charge to Improve Ukraine’s Damaged Housing Infrastructure appeared first on Housing TV Africa.