Seeking Sustainable Solutions in Protracted Refugee Situations

Abstract

Refugees in Africa are forced to fl ee their homelands because of ongoing conflicts, persecution and humanitarian crises in their countries. Refugees constitute one of Africa’s most complex challenges, and in many regions protracted refugee situations (PRSs) have developed. This means that refugees have lived in host countries for more than five years with no immediate prospect of finding a sustainable solution to their situation. The case study of Krisan Refugee Camp explores the perceptions of local Ghanaians, refugees and camp officials in finding sustainable solutions for protracted refugee situations. The study explores why the three traditional approaches to solving protracted refugee situations, namely voluntary repatriation, local integration and third-country settlement, have not been successful in Africa.

AFRICA INSIGHT Vol 42 (1) – June 2012