Submitted by crinadmin on
Executive Summary
There is a character in Central African folk tales known as igihume
similar to a monster or bogeyman. In the refugee camps along
Tanzania's border with Burundi, children speak often of igihume
haunting their lives. But in their nightmares, the igihume is often
not the traditional frog, deformed person or night creature lurking
in forests-it is instead the powerful soldier.
The igihume's re-creation as an omnipresent children's nightmare
underscores how fear and uncertainty haunt Burundian child and
adolescent realities. Even though the refugee camps in Tanzania
are relatively established and fairly secure, and the number of
Burundians fleeing their country has diminished, the ebb and flow
of violence in Burundi, the backdrop of decades-long repression
within the country, and the distanced relationship between
refugees and their providers, continue to seriously impact
Burundian children.
This report identifies key areas of concern for children and
adolescents affected by the armed conflict in Burundi, particularly
those currently in refugee camps. After providing some context on
the situation of Burundian children both within their home country
and in refugee camps outside Burundi, the report will consider
why the needs of children (defined as newborns to 17-year-olds)
remain significant despite years of service provision to Burundian
refugees since the outbreak of war m October, 1993. It will
conclude with concrete suggestions as to how the international
community can help strengthen the capacity of families, care
givers, community groups, and governments to address these
concerns and assist Burundi's refugee children and youth. The
report is based on a three-week visit to the region (February 2 -
25, 1998), and will focus on the situation of Burundian children
currently living in refugee camps in Tanzania.
Owner: Marc Sommers