The Coalition for the Defence of Human Rights of Refugees Living in Camps (CDH/VICAR) strongly condemns the continued demolition of shelters belonging to Burundian refugees in Tanzania, despite repeated assurances given by UNHCR that refugee protection would be upheld. On Thursday, 16 January 2026, Tanzanian authorities, acting through the police and the Sungusungu, carried out further demolitions in Zone 18 of the Nduta Refugee Camp, aggravating an already dire humanitarian situation.
These demolitions directly contradict the commitments communicated to refugees regarding their safety, protection, and the voluntary nature of any return process. The destruction of shelters deprives families of their most basic protection, exposing them to insecurity, harsh weather conditions, and severe psychological distress. Women, children, elderly persons, and other vulnerable individuals are disproportionately affected by these actions.
CDH/VICAR recalls that under international refugee law, including the principle of voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation, no refugee should be subjected to coercion or indirect pressure to return to their country of origin. The ongoing demolitions constitute a form of collective pressure that undermines refugees’ freedom of choice and violates Tanzania’s regional and international obligations.
The persistence of these acts, coupled with the lack of effective and public intervention by UNHCR, raises serious concerns about accountability and the credibility of the international protection system. CDH/VICAR calls for the immediate cessation of all demolitions, concrete protection measures for affected refugees, and a clear, public stance from UNHCR. States must uphold their commitments, and silence in the face of these violations is not an option.
