Bujumbura, Burundi – August 14, 2024 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), and in coordination with the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights, and Gender, has concluded its project titled “Ensuring Evidence-Based and Coordinated Durable Solutions Planning in Burundi.”

A key achievement of this initiative was the operationalization of Durable Solutions Working Groups in 9 new provinces, expanding upon the 9 provinces already operational, and now covering the entire country. This expansion has significantly enhanced the coordination and implementation of sustainable solutions for displaced communities. The project also aimed to tackle the complexities of displacement and return in Burundi, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups such as the Batwa community, population impacted by disasters and returnees from Tanzania and Rwanda, by enhancing local and national actors’ capacities on the utilization of data for effective and sustainable planning. This was achieved through targeted trainings, implementation of improved data collection methods, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ensure data-driven, sustainable planning.

Launched in response to the challenges posed by displacement and return in Burundi, the project focused on improving stakeholders' ability to gather, analyze, and apply accurate data to inform durable solutions, including the Stability Index data, which provided insights into socio-economic conditions, community cohesion, access to services and community’s forums. Over its six-month duration, the project provided valuable insights into community needs and developed frameworks to support reintegration and stability.

Through a project-closure workshop, held on August 14, 2024, in Bujumbura, IOM brought together local authorities, development partners, and various organizations involved in migration and displacement sectors to present the project’s outcomes, discuss improvements in coordination and planning, and collect feedback for future interventions.

These advancements have resulted in more effective and tailored interventions for displaced communities, aligning with the priorities of Burundi's National Development Plan and the National Strategy for the Durable Socio-Economic Reintegration of Displaced Persons and Inclusion of the Batwa. This initiative also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

“The collaborative efforts between IOM, the Government, and our partners, with the support from SDC have been instrumental in enhancing our ability to provide better support to returnees and IDPs by improving data accuracy and coordination. Moving forward, we will focus on scaling these efforts to reach more communities and continuously refine our approaches based on ongoing feedback and data analysis,” said Emanuela Muscarà, IOM Burundi’s Chief of Mission.

“This project has effectively engaged all stakeholders in discussions about durable solutions. Enhanced cooperation has improved our response to the needs of displaced communities, leading to more effective and sustainable reintegration strategies. This expansion now reaches all provinces across the country, demonstrating significant progress. Furthermore, the capacity-building efforts have deepened participants' understanding of key concepts, ensuring more effective implementation of sustainable solutions,” said Pontien Hatungimana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights, and Gender.

"The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation is pleased with the results achieved by this initiative, which strengthens data-driven planning for durable solutions in Burundi. The expansion of Durable Solutions Working Groups to all provinces is a testament to the project's success. Through community forums, the project was able to identify specific needs and respond appropriately. These efforts will contribute sustainably to the stability and reintegration of vulnerable communities in particular, as well as other individuals affected by disasters" stated Yuka Greiler, Director of SDC Burundi.

The successful conclusion of this workshop underscores the project’s commitment to advancing durable solutions through informed and coordinated efforts. IOM and SDC, in coordination with the Government of Burundi via the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights, and Gender, continue to support initiatives that address the needs of displaced populations and contribute to their long-term stability and reintegration.

For further information, please contact:

Djiguiba Camara

Project Officer, Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), IOM Burundi

Email: dcamara@iom.int

Notes to Editors

About IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is part of the United Nations System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with 175 member states and a presence in 171 countries, including Burundi.

About the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)

The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) is a comprehensive system developed by IOM to provide real-time information on displacement, migration, and mobility. DTM collects and analyzes data on the movement and needs of displaced populations, enabling stakeholders to respond promptly and effectively. For additional information, please visit IOM Burundi’s website at burundi.iom.int and IOM Burundi’s DTM at dtm.iom.int/burundi.