LAUNCH OF NEW HUMANITARIAN PROJECT TO SUPPORT 10,000 CONGOLESE REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN BURUNDI

February 26th, 2026  Bujumbura– The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), with financial support from the Government of Japan, has officially launched a humanitarian project aimed at addressing urgent protection and livelihood needs of 10,000 Congolese refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Burundi.

Funded with USD 266,666, the project responds to the dire humanitarian situation in Burundi, driven by the influx of refugees fleeing regional instability and internal displacement caused by climate change–related flooding. Women and girls, face heightened risks of gender-based violence, economic insecurity, and loss of livelihoods during crises.

The project will directly benefit refugees, internally displaced persons, and host community members through targeted interventions focusing on: Protection from gender-based violence; Improved livelihoods and income-generating opportunities; Strengthening resilience and economic empowerment of women and youth.

Implementation will be led by UN Women in partnership with Japanese stakeholders, including Yamaha Motors and the NGO Terra Renaissance, in close partnership and coordination with national and local authorities.

This initiative reflects Japan’s strong commitment to human security, gender equality, and inclusive development, in line with the principles reaffirmed during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

“This project illustrates our shared commitment to responding quickly and effectively to the urgent needs of women and girls affected by humanitarian crises, while strengthening their resilience and livelihood capacities “, says UN Women Representative in Burundi, Ms. Clara M. Anyangwe.

“At a time when the humanitarian sector is facing challenges, Japan remains firmly committed to the philosophy of Human Security to ensure that individuals can live with dignity, free from fear and want. Japan supports UN Women in its efforts to protect women and children facing threats of abuse, in collaboration with a Japanese company, Yamaha, and a Japanese NGO, Terra Renaissance”, says ambassador of Japan to Burundi, Mr. Kazuya Nakajo

By addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term recovery, the project aims to restore dignity, protection, and sustainable livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable populations in Burundi.