Tanzania - Burundian Refugees - Oxfam Canada 2016

February 2016 - As a result of the ongoing political crisis and insecurity in neighbouring Burundi Tanzania has seen an influx of nearly 120 000 refugees since April 2015 a number which continues to steadily grow. This rapid influx quickly overwhelmed the local response capacity leading to extreme congestion and appalling living conditions in Nyagarusu the one operational refugee camp.. The Government of Tanzania has now authorized the re-opening of three previously decommissioned refugee camps and the international response has begun to scale up with people gradually being moved to the new camps. However support is needed to rebuild/refit these camps as well as to provide food and services to the refugees on an ongoing basis. With GAC’s support Oxfam is addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of an estimated 65 000 Burundian refugees and members of their Tanzanian host community at the newly re-opened Nduta refugee camp. Project activities include: (1) the expansion and maintenance of the water supply system in the refugee camp and the surrounding community; (2) the expansion of hygiene facilities in the camp through the promotion of household latrine building and community waste management; and (3) the provision of cash grants vouchers or cash-for-work opportunities to improve food security and protect livelihoods of particularly vulnerable community members.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to safe water and proper sanitation for Burundian refugees and host communities; and (2) improved access to adequate food and other necessities for Burundian refugees. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people particularly women and children.