Rwandese survivors of the genocide still at risk

While working for the Uganda Red Cross I interviewed and photographed Rwandese refugees in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. See http://www.eyesofchange.com/rwanda

Rwandese refugees in Uganda facing forced return as the cessation clause is invoked.

During the 1994 genocide and aftermath, thousands of Rwandese fled to neighboring countries to escape violence and death. Many Rwandese refugees entered Uganda and started living in designated settlements. The persecution did not stop though. The Rwandese government started chasing refugees in the vicinity a few years later. In Uganda it happened in the form of forced repatriation. In 2003, the governments of Rwanda and Uganda and the UNHCR signed an agreement to repatriate about 30,000 refugees living in Uganda. There have been repeated attempts to forcibly return refugees to Rwanda in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011. Also, since 2010 all refugees from Rwanda were prohibited from cultivating their land in Kyaka II settlement, which makes their livelihoods even more challenging. The cessation clause, by which Rwandese refugee status would be brought to an end by 31 December 2011, is also being invoked. Therefore, currently thousands of Rwandese refugees face the risk of having to return to their country when there have not been substantial, effective and durable changes to ensure their safety upon return.

See http://www.eyesofchange.com/rwanda