Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on Burundian refugees living in Mahama refugee camp in Kirehe District to play an active role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), human trafficking and other crimes as means to keep the camp and its neighbourhood safe.

This comes barely two months after the Police launched community policing sensitisation campaigns in three refugee camps, including Mahama.

While addressing the refugees, yesterday, the Eastern Province spokesperson, IP Emmanuel Kayigi, appealed to them to be proactive in fighting crime.

Kayigi further urged the refugees to share timely information about suspicious cases.

"There are people that may lure you with good jobs in foreign countries. Normally, victims of human trafficking are used for prostitution or forced labour,” said IP Kayigi.

The refugees were also sensitised on environmental protection.

"A well-preserved environment has a direct positive impact on the development of the country. Preserving the environment, especially in the camp, is everyone’s responsibility,” said Kayigi.

The head of the refugees in the camp, Pastor Jean Bosco Kwibishaka, commended the government of Rwanda for its continued support and appreciated the Police’s outreach programmes that aim at ensuring human security.

Kwibishaka revealed the camp has been experiencing rampant cases of GBV and drug abuse.

He requested that judicial Police officers be dispatched to the camp to help in addressing issues of criminality.

During the event, refugees also welcomed the Police mobile station van which enable them file their complaints.Mahama refugee camp is located in Kirehe District in the Eastern Province. The camp which was opened in April, currently hosts about 31,000 Burundian refugees.

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