Yesterday, Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark World Refugee Day. The celebration was held at Kigeme refugee camp in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province under the theme: “One family torn apart by the war is too many”.

Rwanda hosts over 70 000 refugees sheltered in Nyabiheke, Kigeme, Kiziba and Gihembe camps with some also sheltered at Nkamira transit centre in Rubavu District.

The day was cause for much celebration as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees handed over to the government 62 classrooms and 130 latrine pits constructed in Kigeme and Gasaka sectors. The classrooms will benefit up to 5, 170 refugee children as well as 2,143 children from the local community.

The day also was an occasion to hand over 162 birth certificates to children born in the camp.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Disaster Management and refugee Affairs, Seraphine Mukantabana, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue to assist refugees. “The government in conjunction with its partners will keep up efforts to provide all refugees with basic needs including access to education, health services, food and security.”

We want to go home – Congolese refugees

Congolese refugees, sheltered at Kigeme Camp appealed to Congolese Minister of Internal Security, Richard Muyej Mangeze, who attended the ceremony, to work to restore peace in the country so that they can go back home.

“More efforts should be made to put an end to the many rebel groups operating in the east of the country. Our children have not had the chance to grow up in their motherland. We need to return home. We shall be grateful for your efforts to help us,” said Benjamin Karembera, Kigeme Refugee Representative.

Minister Muyej promised that his government would do all it could to allow refugees to return home. “Efforts are being made to end the war situation.”

On her side Minister Mukantabana said, “The government of Rwanda will continue to work closely with the Congolese government to find a long term sustainable solution and bring peace to the region.”

After the ceremony, participants visited income generating projects being implemented by refugees including a soap making project, a sewing workshop and a poultry farm.