Jean Marie Vianney Kavumbagu, chairman of the human-rights group Iteka, said civilians are the most at risk.
"Burundians had hoped that war was over to give way to development, economic integration and national reconciliation, but they will be on the receiving end of violence once again should hostilities resume," he said.
Still, Burundi's Human Rights Minister Immaculee Nahayo said the refugees were living in deplorable conditions in Tanzania and were forbidden to travel more than 5km from the camps. They should be happy to be home, she said.
"They were living like prisoners," Nahayo said. "Today is a happy day for them and for us."
The UN's refugee agency has offered Burundians going home a cash grant of US$50 each, four months of food rations, free health care for six months and two years of free schooling for children.
"The cash they are given will help them to boost their economic hardship and a package of food to make a humble beginning," said the UNHCR representative to Tanzania, Yacoub El Hillo.
Marie Niyondiko, a 42-year-old mother of four who fled Burundi in 1995, said anything is better than being a refugee -- even living once again in an unstable country.
"Life was unbearable in the camp," she said. "I am happy to be back to my home land."
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