Chairperson, Allow me at the outset, to thank you for the manner in which you are conducting the proceedings of this session, and my delegation remains confident that under your able guidance the meeting will reach its successful conclusion.
We also thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees H.E Mr. Antonio Gutteres, for his comprehensive opening statement that has enabled us to grasp the complex issues which the UN Agency is dealing with. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Azerbaijan and the Republic of Rwanda for joining the EXCOM family. Chairperson, My delegation associates itself with the statement made by the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the African Group on the basis of which we wish to draw our unique country experience.
In the wake of contemporary challenges facing the Institution of Asylum in the United Republic of Tanzania, which continues to host about 100,000 Refugees mostly from DRC and Burundi, it is imperative at this juncture to express on behalf of my delegation, our sincere sense of appreciation for the co-operation and support provided by the office of the High Commissioner (UNHCR) in our joint efforts of addressing various refugee challenges in Tanzania. Last month’s visit to Tanzania by the Assistant High Commissioner (Protection) Madam Erika Feller is indeed a reflection of that commitment and dedication by the office in seeking durable solutions.
Chairperson, Last year in September, the government of the United Republic of Tanzania in collaboration with the office of the High Commissioner conducted an in-depth Refugee Interview Process in Mtabila camp whose main objective was to identify refugees who were in continued need of international protection. After extensive processes of these interviews and appeals, which were conducted in full adherence to International Refugee Law, International Law and International Humanitarian Law, some 2,400 Refugees were identified to be in continuing need of international protection.
These were relocated from Mtabila to another camp. The rest of the refugees, some 38,050 persons, were found to be no longer in need of international protection, and hence, have been given the opportunity up to 31st December 2012 to return to their country of origin, in line with the decision by the Tripartite Commission meeting held in Bujumbura, February 2012. Chairperson, It was on the basis of the outcome of the indepth interviews that my government having exploited all avenues, made a decision with effect from 1st August 2012, to unilaterally invoke the cessation clauses with respect to the 38,050 Burundian refugees residing at Mtabila refugee camp.
Chairperson, As a host nation, the United Republic of Tanzania has pursued her obligation as stipulated by the Convention in providing asylum to those in need and it is on the basis of this that my delegation is calling for all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that the 38,050 refugees whose status as refugees has indeed ceased to exist, are returned to their country by 31st December, 2012. Chairperson, On the question of the 1972 Burundian caseload, whose grant of citizenship has, and continues to be a subject of contentious debate at both the International and the national stages, the government of Tanzania, is fully analyzing and consulting on this issue with a view to coming up with a solution that will be favourable to both the refugees and the state. The issue has yet to be finalized by the Cabinet in view of finding the best integration solution by accommodating the interests of all concerned parties.
Chairperson In concluding, I wish to commend the International Community, in particular the Donor Community for its generous support over the years that has allowed us to discharge our obligations as a host state. We also acknowledge the support and co-operation of the UNHCR country Team, World Food Programme (W.F.P), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the NGO Community in addressing various humanitarian challenges in my country. The United Republic of Tanzania will continue to keep her doors open to genuine and credible asylum seekers and refugees seeking sanctuary in Tanzania in pursuant to the 1951 Convention.
I thank you for your attention.
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