Vanuatu, as a member of the United Nations (UN), has a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian standards and provide protection to those fleeing conflict, said Human Rights Activist, Anne Pakoa.
She made this remark while highlighting that the seven Burundian nationals who are facing deportation in Vanuatu have been officially recognised as refugees by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Under UNHCR, a refugee is an individual forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, violence, or dangerous conditions, such as conflict or human rights abuses. They are unable to return home safely and are recognised under international law—specifically the 1951 Refugee Convention—as needing protection.
Founder of Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition Pakoa said she was contacted by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and an immigration officer when the Burundians arrived, informing her that the group required urgent humanitarian assistance, particularly food and water.
Pakoa, mobilised her team who provided rice, local food, and other essential supplies.
“The seven Burundians were not trafficked. They came here on their own after fleeing civil unrest in their home country. Home is no longer safe for them,” Pakoa said.
Three weeks ago, the group received official refugee certificates from UNHCR, allowing them to seek protection and potentially travel to other UN member countries to rebuild their lives.
While their stay in Vanuatu is still uncertain, Pakoa has been engaging with government authorities to ensure they can remain temporarily while arrangements are made for their next destination.
“Actually, I am not concerned about them getting citizenship here. My focus is on their protection. As humans, they have the right to move from one place to another. If they escaped civil war, sending them back would put their lives at risk,” said the Human Rights Activist.
She emphasised that they may not wish to remain permanently in Vanuatu but are seeking a safe place while they prepare for relocation.
Vanuatu, as a member of the United Nations, has a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian standards and provide protection to those fleeing conflict, Pakoa said.
“Those of us promoting peace cannot send them back to a conflict zone because it would endanger their lives,” she added.
Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa.
On Tuesday this week, the Daily Post reported that these seven individuals are being held under immigration detention, with immigration officials saying they are not legitimate investors.
Authorities said they were initially scheduled for deportation on Monday but could not be sent back due to delays in visa approvals for their transit through Fiji.
