Refugees in Rwanda now access services as nationals

The IDs also allow refugees to move freely in the country, have access to public and private services and employment in the country.

Rwanda Government in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) launched the new IDs delivery in Kigali on Thursday.

The distribution started with 2,761 IDs and will proceed in other parts of the country especially in refugee camps as soon as the IDs verification is completed.

The verification is going on in Nyabiheke camp located in Gatsibo District.
All refugees in Rwanda are expected to have the new cards by June 2019.

With the new ID, a refugee is entitled to seek driving permits, join health insurance schemes, access education from primary to university levels, open bank accounts and apply for jobs in the country.

UNHCR Representative to Rwanda, Ahmed Baba Fall, appreciated Rwanda’s will to provide refugees with social development opportunities and urged the refugees to effectively use new IDS.

“We hope it will enable you to have access to extended opportunities that will allow you and your families to grow independently and sustainably enhancing your wellbeing,” he said.

Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, De Bonheur Jeanne d’Arc emphasised that the issuance of national refugee identity cards will positively impact refugees’ daily life.

“The issuance of identity cards to refugees is fulfilling the commitment made by the Government of Rwanda during the Leaders’ Summit held in New York in 2016,” said the Minister.

Patrice Ntadohoka, Burundian refugee and coordinator of urban refugees, said new IDs have got them services they were lacking and more safety in the county of asylum.

UNHCR figures indicate that there are 152,428 refugees in Rwanda. Among them, 52% are from Democratic Republic of Congo, 47% are Burundians while 1% come from other different countries.