Refugees in Nyabiheke Refugee Camp have appealed to government and other stakeholders to help curb cases of early pregnancies that are rampant in the camp.

The Gatsibo District-based camp, which has hosted Congolese refugees since 2005, is currently home to 16,844 refugees.

Early pregnancies was one of the main challenges highlighted during celebration to mark World Refugee Day on Wednesday.

Justin Byiringiro, the refugees’ representative in the Camp, said early pregnancies was emerging as a big issue which needs quick attention to address and the camp is growing overcrowded, as a result.

"The overpopulation in the camp favors early pregnancies. Some students graduate from secondary schools but a very limited number are advancing to universities while others are dropping out of schools.

All these, alongside limited food rations, push the youth here to indulge in unprotected sexual relationship, hence early pregnancies in the camp. We can’t hide that it is a serious issue that needs close attention”.

Besides reproductive health education, vocational training schools would work as a key factor in addressing the issue, he said.

"This would both be a source for jobs and most of the community would be kept busy with vocational activities rather than being involved in sexual relationships”.

On the other hand, Andre Vuganeza, the Camp Manager, claimed the situation had stabilized in the last few months since efforts were put in educating young refugees on the importance of family planning and reproductive health, but admits lack of jobs might be a fear factor.

Jeanne d’Arc De Bonheur, the Minister for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, said the Government, in conjunction with international organisations, would keep pushing to find a solution to the issue together, while insisting on family planning as a long-lasting solution to early pregnancies among youth in the camp.

"We can keep pushing in educating refugees to encourage them about the adoption of family planning. They, too, know, their number is increasing yet the area of residence remain the same. We will closely work all concerned government stakeholders to make sure youth are well educated on the issues but also be strict one those who appear to violate the young refugee community. But reproductive health and family planning education would surely be a durable solution to the issue,” she said.

Rwanda currently hosts over 150,000 refugees in six camps, namely Nyabiheke in Gatsibo District, Kigeme in Nyamagabe, Mahama in Kirehe, Kiziba in Karongi, Gihembe in Gicumbi and Mugombwa in Gisagara District.

The majority are Congolese and Burundians.

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