Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Hignlights • UNHCR commends the Government of Burundi for its leadership, steadfast engagement and solidarity following the emergency influx of over 101,000 people in December 2025, enabling protection, access to land, and the rapid delivery of life-saving assistance at the Busuma refugee site. UNHCR also recognizes the critical support of the UN Resident Coordinator in driving coordination, advocacy, and resource mobilization, alongside the commitment of UN agencies, and humanitarian partners, whose collective eorts have significantly strengthened and continue to enhance the response to newly arrived refugees. • As of 28 February, 66,727 newly arrived refugees, representing 14,061 households, were hosted at the site in Ruyigi in Buhumuza Province. Children account for 59 per cent of the population, underscoring significant protection concerns and needs • On 23 February, Burundi reopened the Gatumba–Kavimvira land border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This development has raised expectations among some refugees regarding potential return. In collaboration with the Government of Burundi, UNHCR protection teams regularly undertake joint cross-border assessments to monitor the situation and keep refugees informed. A joint communiqué issued by the Government and UNHCR encourages refugees to wait, emphasizing that any return must remain voluntary, informed and based on free choice. • 9,913 refugees remain in overcrowded transit centres, in Cishemere Transit Centre (8,132 people) and Makombe Transit Centre (1,781 people) Urgent support is needed to provide safer shelter, adequate food assistance, and essential services, particularly for the most vulnerable