Burundi refugees living in Tanzania who wish to move back to the country will be compensated with 50K Burundi francs to do so, so says the UN Commission for Refugees, effective July 10, according to an article published yesterday on Relief Web.
Having not read the article carefully the first time through I was rather skeptical: how bad must situations be for the UN to offer such a large sum (though only worth 50 USD) to get people to return to a country which they fled. On second reading I was relieved to see the stipulation that the money was for those who choose to return voluntarily (as opposed to a measure that might persuade them to return against their better judgment) and to aid them in getting back on their feet.
Not knowing how much 50K Burundi francs would buy I can only hope that it is a substantial amount and not a (nearly) empty gesture. A new life back in their former home is bound to be complicated by "difficult social and economic conditions" and while any sum would certainly be a help I think it only fair to say that they deserve more than just pocket change.
Having not read the article carefully the first time through I was rather skeptical: how bad must situations be for the UN to offer such a large sum (though only worth 50 USD) to get people to return to a country which they fled. On second reading I was relieved to see the stipulation that the money was for those who choose to return voluntarily (as opposed to a measure that might persuade them to return against their better judgment) and to aid them in getting back on their feet.
Not knowing how much 50K Burundi francs would buy I can only hope that it is a substantial amount and not a (nearly) empty gesture. A new life back in their former home is bound to be complicated by "difficult social and economic conditions" and while any sum would certainly be a help I think it only fair to say that they deserve more than just pocket change.
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