Reached for comments at that time, the Home Affairs Ministry spokesman Isaac Nantanga in told The Guardian that security at all refugee camps in the country has been beefed up and is regularly improved.
“We have police on the ground who perform regular patrols and security operations at the camps....they also work in inclusively with the refugees and help them form community police from among their own people,” he said.
While the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, Alvaro Rodriguez commented on the matter, The Guardian sought to get a direct response from the UN agency specifically in charge for the refugees.
In his comments, Rodriguez said cited the need to improve screening of refugees to determine those with military backgrounds. Here is the response from UNHCR:
Q. What is the general security status of the refugee camps i.e. movement of refugees in and out of camps, possession of weapons, crimes etc Refugees in Tanzania are governed by an encampment policy.
This encampment policy is enshrined in the Refugees Act, 1998 and its 2003 policy. Refugees must seek permission from the authorities to leave the camps even on a temporary basis.
A: In recent years the policy was enforced but with some latitude. However, it is now being enforced more stringently, as a result of the continuing influx.
“26 refugees are serving 6 months for having left the camps without permission.” They were not given the usual option of paying a small fine, as the officials wished to send a message to other refugees that their security can be better guaranteed if they adhere to the rules governing refugee camps.
“ All refugees have been directed to surrender weapons to the police in the camps.” UNHCR has also been holding discussions with the government on Mwisa, a former separation facility to be reopened to receive ex combatants/militia in order to maintain the civilian character of the camp.
This facility will soon be reopened. The Ministry for Home Affairs as the Government is responsible for safety and security but we do support police contingents in the camps.
Q. Respond to the Al Jazeera claims that refugees are reporting presence of government militia who are recruiting them A. Prior to the AL Jazeera report, we had no concrete reports of attempts to recruit, only rumours.
UNHCR Tanzania continues to stress the need to maintain the civilian character of the camps in Tanzania and is working in cooperation with the government and partners to ensure this.
While there might be attempts by recruiters to enter the camps, UNHCR does not have evidence of people being recruited in the camps at present. However, awareness campaigns are conducted by UNHCR in the camps to explain to refugees the need to maintain the civilian character of the camps.
As such, refugees have been alerted that ‘would be’ recruiters violate asylum rules, as well as refugees who allow themselves to be recruited. UNHCR is monitoring the situation as part of its protection mandate and activities.
Q. Given that report, what is the current atmosphere of the camps i.e. is there fear as claimed, or is it calm
A. In general the camps remain calm. The Government advises us that they are increasing efforts to ascertain the truth of the situation but that they have no evidence of refugees being hunted down or being recruited.
The report The media report published by Al Jazeera reads in part; “Refugees from Burundi, who fled violence in their country to neighbouring Tanzania, have accused their government of sending armed men into a UN-run refugee camp to hunt down opposition supporters.
” It goes on to state: “Several refugees have told Al Jazeera that they fear for their lives and that there is no adequate security in the camps in Tanzania to protect them.”
It further says that a refugee told Al Jazeera over a phone interview that, “...the camp is currently not safe. We live in fear of Burundian government militia who are in the camp."
UN and Government response In his response (published The Guardian 2.9,16) UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, Alvaro Rodriguez said;
“UNHCR has expressed concern that the civilian character of the refugee camps may be eroded if the separation facility, for those screened and found to have a military background, in Kagera Region is not rapidly prepared.”
“To this effect, UNHCR is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the matter,” he added. He said at the moment, UNHCR does not have solid evidence on any recruitment but has advised refugees that, seeking asylum means ‘seeking safety and peace’ and that any attempt to recruit or to agree to be recruited constitutes a violation of asylum rules.
On his part, the Home Affairs Ministry spokesman Isaac Nantanga said;“we have police on the ground who perform regular patrols and security operations at the camps....they also work in inclusively with the refugees and help them form community police from among their own people,” he detailed.
The spokesperson said no official report of the media claims has reached the ministry however, he asserted that the ministry will make prompt follow up on the matter.
“We will follow this up with verve and anyone found in violation of the camps’ rules and regulations or in any illegal act, will be arrested, legal action will be taken and if need be they will be deported,” he warned.
Nantanga recalled Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa’s recent visit and inspection of the refugee camps where he warned against habouring of militia, weapons and leaving the camps. The PM urged the refugees to voluntarily surrender any weapons they have and to observe the set regulations and laws.
“So the government is very vigilant with security at the refugee camps and we continue to monitor their activities...this new development will be addressed with the urgency and diligence it deserves,” he summed up.
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