Through the years, Rwanda has undertaken various efforts towards improving the welfare of refugees, particularly those from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi.

As of September last year, over 130,000 refugees were living in Rwanda, with the majority residing in the five main refugee camps of Kiziba, Nyabiheke, Kigeme, Mugombwa and Mahama.

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Rwanda's efforts to improve refugees’ welfare align with the 1951 Refugee Convention, ensuring refugees are granted the same rights as nationals in areas like education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

In this article, The New Times takes a look at eight key schemes that are helping improve the welfare of refugees living in Rwanda.

1. Community-based health insurance

Refugees in Rwanda are integrated into the country’s community-based health insurance scheme, known as Mutuelle de Santé, which provides affordable healthcare services to low-income individuals.

Every refugee camp has at least one health centre, and the scheme covers basic medical services.

The government also plans to include specialized medical services, such as cancer treatment and kidney transplants, in the health insurance scheme starting in 2025.

2. Financial inclusion

Financial inclusion efforts for refugees are mainly carried out through the Social Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities (SEIRHC) project. Also known as the Jya Mbere project, the project is aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities.

Funded with a budget of $80 million, the project focuses on promoting entrepreneurship through small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives, as well as fostering self-reliance.

Refugees and host community members in five districts (Gatsibo, Kirehe, Karongi, Nyamagabe, and Gisagara) are eligible for financial support to start or grow businesses.

There is also Financial Inclusion for Refugees (FI4R) programme, which in partnership with a local bank, aims to provide financial services, including mobile banking, digital loans, and financial literacy training, to 100,000 refugees.

3. Trade infrastructure

Rwanda has built a market worth Rwf360 million in Kirehe District to support refugees from Mahama Refugee Camp and surrounding communities in their business activities.

The market serves various businesses, such as food vendors, hairdressers, and restaurants.

The government is also rehabilitating the road leading to Mahama Refugee Camp to improve infrastructure and enable easier access to markets and resources.

4. Integration into Rwandan schools

Refugee children in Rwanda now enjoy full integration into the country’s educational system, with school attendance reaching 100 percent among refugee children.

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A total of 878 schools have been constructed, serving both refugees and Rwandan citizens.

Six Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools have been established to provide technical skills to both refugee and local students.

Refugee students also benefit from Rwanda's school feeding programme.

5. Allocation of 136.8 hectares of land for agriculture

To promote food security and economic collaboration, the government has allocated 136.8 hectares of land for joint agricultural activities between refugees and host communities in several districts.

Through cooperatives, refugees and locals cultivate crops and engage in various economic activities, including trade, farming, and crafts.

In Gisagara district, refugees have even established a maize milling plant, contributing to local industry and self-sufficiency.

6. Clean cooking and renewable energy

A big number of refugees in Mahama and Mugombwa camps now use gas for cooking, reducing reliance on firewood and contributing to cleaner energy practices.

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Approximately 9,725 households have been equipped with solar panels, and 815 solar-powered street lights have been installed, improving safety and reducing environmental impact.

7. Water access services

Rwanda ensures that water access in refugee camps meets international standards.

For instance, Mahama Refugee Camp provides 21 litres of water per person per day, Kiziba offers 28 liters, Nyabiheke provides 20 liters, Mugombwa offers 23 litres, and Kigeme provides 15 litres.

These efforts ensure that refugees have access to clean water for their daily needs.

8. Maternal and child nutrition services

Rwanda is also focused on improving the nutritional status of mothers, infants, and children within refugee camps.

In Mahama Refugee Camp, nutrition programs have been implemented to promote optimal breastfeeding and safe complementary feeding.

These initiatives aim to address the nutritional challenges faced by pregnant and lactating women, as well as young children, improving overall health and well-being.