Among those present are both refugees of Rwandan origin – who fled Rwanda in 1994 and subsequently from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Burundi – and Congolese refugees who arrived in December 2025, following fighting in the Ruzizi plain and the capture of the town of Uvira.

The country’s permanent camps are currently full and many refugees remain in the transit centre. Several humanitarian organisations have intervened in the camp to provide essential services, including healthcare, access to water and food distribution. However, in recent months, some key activities have been suspended, leaving important areas of protection for children, young people and women uncovered.

Families now receive only one meal a day, many do not have their own tent, and there are insufficient toilets and showers.

There is also a lack of educational activities and safe spaces for young children, while women and girls no longer receive menstrual kits and counselling services.

For this reason, the Salesian “Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo” (VIS) NGO, together with the Museke Foundation in Brescia, wants to take immediate action to help the most vulnerable people.

The planned activities include:

• the daily distribution of a nutritious hot meal for young children,
• the distribution of menstrual kits for women and girls the creation of safe spaces with recreational and educational activities for children
• the formation of community leaders who can raise awareness about children’s rights and the sexual and reproductive health of young people.

The aim is to strengthen the protection of children and women and to offer support to a community that, despite the difficulties, continues to demonstrate resilience and the ability to live together.

For further information, visit: https://new.volint.it/ 

Source: VIS