Social work with refugees in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Social work practice with refugees requires specialized knowledge of this population. It also requires one to have knowledge of specialized adaptations and applications of mainstream services delivery and interventions which target refugees. These interventions seek to address the psychosocial and socio-economic challenges faced by refugees. As a result, social workers have a tall order addressing the flight and asylum experiences that typically confront refugees and asylum seekers. These experiences often bring pessimism on the part of refugees. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the social work practice with refugees. It also unpacks the institutional framework under which refugee protection is carried out in the context of Zimbabwe. Such a background is important as it provides the basis for social work intervention to address the plight of refugees in the countries of their asylum and to help them adjust to the new life situations. The paper also delves into the refugee protection approaches that enhance social work intervention more appropriate. In the final analysis, the paper provides the solutions to the refugee plight and provides recommendations for social work practice. It is therefore the aim of this paper to present social work practice with refugees.

KEY TERMS: social work, refugee, durable solutions, protracted refugee situation, encampment policy