Background
On 31 August 2017 at the Tripartite Commission Meeting for the Voluntary Repatriation of Burundian Refugees in Tanzania, the Tripartite Commission (United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Burundi, and UNHCR) issued a joint communiqué and agreed to implement a work plan from 7 September to 31 December 2017, which entails the voluntary repatriation plan of Burundian refugees who wish to return to Burundi. The voluntary repatriation operation will take place in phases.
The Tripartite Commission also acknowledged that while some refugees may opt to return now, others may still have well-founded reasons for not seeking to return at the present time and will continue to be in need of international protection. While UNHCR is not promoting voluntary return to Burundi, it is supporting the operation to ensure that returns are based on the principles of voluntariness and informed decisions, and take place in safety and dignity.

Highlights from the Reporting Period
 Total of 1,881 assisted to repatriate voluntarily
 237 (12.5%) of the returnees were persons with specific needs
 4 return convoys (10th,12th, 17th, and 19th October)
 Areas of return: Muyinga and Kirundo

Overall Return Figures and Trends
The Voluntary Repatriation Operation commenced on 7 September 2017. As at 19 October 2017, a total of 5,177 Burundian refugees were assisted to voluntarily repatriate to Burundi in thirteen return convoys.
 50.8% of returnees are female
 49.2% of returnees are male
 56.3% of returnees are children
 11.2% of returnees are persons with specific needs
 Highest number of returns to Makamba and Muyinga provinces (1,453 and 1,378 returnees respectively)