There are over 3 million persons of concern to UNHCR in this region, including some 1.15 million refugees, 1.35 million internally displaced persons and 590,000 returnees. Despite hope for greater stability, a number of conflicts worsened in 2007, notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leading to the displacement of over 300,000 people. Political and social unrest continued in Burundi, discouraging large-scale refugee return. Tanzania continues to host one of the largest refugee populations in the world, with some 380,000 Burundian, Congolese, Somali and others. Despite these setbacks, some 84,000 refugees and 675,000 internally displaced persons were able to return home, notably from Angola, Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda and Sudan. In 2008, UNHCR aims to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Burundian, DR Congolese and Rwandan refugees. For the remaining Sudanese, Angolan and Republic of Congo refugees, the UNHCR continues local integration. With the help of concerned governments and the international community, the UNHCR work towards a comprehensive solution for the 1,972 groups of Burundian refugees in Tanzania. It is expected that resettlement are continued for an estimated 3,500 individuals and groups of refugees with specific protection needs, or where repatriation or local integration are not possible. To improve the protection of asylum-seekers and refugees, the UNHCR helps to strengthen national asylum frameworks.
