Most of the assistance provided to Burundi refugees in the United Republic of Tanzania in 1994 was covered under Special Programmes. The 1995 assistance budget, initially approved under General Programmes, was subsequently also incorporated in the regional Special Programme for Rwanda and Burundi. Organized repatriation for the Mozambican refugees was completed as scheduled in October 1994. Up to 13,500 Mozambicans repatriated voluntarily over land, lake and sea routes. The 1995 Annual Programme budget for care and maintenance for Somali refugees was increased substantially due to a higher beneficiary figure.
Voluntary repatriation remains the preferred durable solution.
The severity of the ethnic violence and the difficulty of achieving rapid reconciliation as a consequence have so far made prospects for organized mass voluntary repatriation limited. During 1996, it is anticipated that the pace of organized voluntary repatriation will increase steadily as efforts to reconcile political and ethnic differences continue in parallel with the rehabilitation and repair of damaged infrastructure and economic systems in Rwanda. For planning purposes, it is currently estimated that some 20 to 25 per cent of the caseload at the beginning of 1996 may repatriate during the year. The planning figure of the assisted refugee population will be reduced as repatriation takes place during 1996. Subject to prevailing conditions and progress in voluntary repatriation, feasibility studies on the relocation of the camps in Ngara District will be initiated.