Refugee Operation in Tanzania and the Principle of Non-Refoulment

In the last decade, Tanzanian’s approach to refugee protection has changed from ‘open-door’ policy to limited respect of refugee rights. This change is evident in not only sporadic refoulement of refugees but also in restrictive admission policies, decreased durable solution opportunities, and general disregard of other refugee rights. The major factors, which influenced Tanzania’s new policies and practices are: democratisation process and change of ideology, lack of equitable responsibility sharing and increasing compassion fatigued. Accordingly, safeguarding the rights of refugees require collective action at the international level to address problems facing countries like Tanzania. Tanzania should resort to requesting effective and adequate international community support and this be incorporated into the larger domestic and foreign policy agenda.