The Government of Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark the World Refugee Day celebrated on June 20 each year. The ceremonies were held at national level in Kigeme camp in Nyamagabe District in the Southern Province.
High level officials including Minister Mukantabana Seraphine, Rwanda Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs and Richard Muyej Mangeze, Minister of internal security and Decentralization in DRC joined refugees’ community in the celebrations.
The world refugee day 2013 was cerebrated under the theme: “One family torn apart by the war is too many.”
At this occasion Congolese refugees, sheltered at Kigeme Camp appealed to their government to make efforts to restore peace in the country so that they can go back home.
Speaking at the celebrations, the representatives of refugees at Kigeme Camp Benjamin Karembera appealed to their country and the entire international community to make efforts in order to allow them go back to their country.
“Efforts should be made to put an end to the many rebel groups operating in the east of the country” Karembera said.
“Our children did not have the chance to grow in their motherland. All our parents, our children, our relatives, we need to return home. We shall be grateful for your efforts to help us go back.”
Minister Muyej promised his compatriots that his government will do all its best to bring peace in stabilize the region so that thousands of refugees can regain their homes.
“We will do everything possible to move on,” Muyej said. “Efforts are being made to end the war situation and stop troublemakers.”
At the occasion, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) handed over to the Government 62 class-rooms and 130 latrine pits constructed in Kigeme and Gasaka sectors. The class rooms will benefit up to 5, 170 refugee children and 2,143 children from the host community, according to government officials.
The day also was an occasion to hand over 162 birth certificates to children born in the camp.
Officials also visited income generating projects being implemented by refugees including a soap making project, sewing workshop and poultry.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Disaster Management and refugee Affairs, Seraphine Mukantabana, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue assisting refugees.
She told the refugees that the government in conjunction with its partners will keep up efforts to provide them with basic needs including access to education, health services, food and security, among others.
“But we are all aware that life in a camp is nothing anyone can wish. We hope you will soon get the chance to return back in your country,” she said.
“The Government of Rwanda will continue to work closely with the Congolese government to find a lasting solution to the situation which pushed you into this situation. We request you to remain resilient because the entire region is working towards restoring peace and security in DR Congo.” Said Minister Mukantabana
Rwanda hosts over 70, 000 Congolese refugees sheltered in Nyabiheke, Kigeme, Kiziba and Gihembe camps. Others are still living at Nkamira transit centre, Rubavu district.