Local Rights Group Raises Alarm Over Illegal Expulsion of Burundian Children from Tanzania

A local rights group, ONLCT, Où est ton frère, has raised urgent concerns over the illegal deportation of Burundian children trafficked to Tanzania. The group condemned the actions of Tanzanian authorities, calling for the Burundian government to intervene and ensure the safe repatriation of these children without violating their rights.

Prime Mbarubukeye, the legal representative of ONLCT, spoke out on December 10, 2024, coinciding with the International Human Rights Day, criticizing Tanzania for deporting 13 Burundian children without compensation. He stated that the Mabanda reception center in Makamba southern province, where the children were brought, lacks the necessary capacity and resources to care for them. “These children need urgent care, and the Tanzanian government’s actions dishonor their rights,” said Mbarubukeye.

The group is calling on the Burundian government to work closely with Tanzania to ensure these children are safely repatriated, emphasizing the importance of preventing any further violations of their rights. “We urge the state of Burundi to establish a solid framework that involves all provinces, coordinating with the national police to ensure the safe repatriation of these children from Tanzania,” he added.

ONLCT had previously revealed alarming figures, stating that over 280 children are trafficked to Tanzania each day, where they are subjected to economic and sexual exploitation. The situation is part of a broader crisis, as child trafficking remains a major issue in the region.

In November, FENADEB, a local collective advocating for children’s rights, reported that over 600 Burundians were trafficked to Tanzania last year, primarily for exploitative labor. “More than 80% of these victims are between 9 and 17 years old,” FENADEB’s statement read.

Sixty Vigny Nimuraba, head of Burundi’s Independent National Commission for Human Rights, has called on the government to establish stronger protective laws to guarantee children’s right to education and address the root causes of trafficking in order to curb this growing crisis.