Essay on Refugee Human Rights in Camps
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
By Zachary Lomo
Does UNHCR have an obligation to uphold the human rights that are essential for refugees’ free and full development as human beings? Are there any circumstances where a refugee could take UNHCR to court for failing in this regard?
Zachary A. Lomo, LLB (Makerere), LLM (Harvard), directed the Refugee Law Project of the Faculty of Law, Makerere University from July 2001 to August 2006. He co-authored RLP Working Paper Series, Behind the Violence, on the causes of the war in northern Uganda, Negotiating Peace, and Whose Justice? He is currently reading for his doctorate in International Law and Refugees at the University of Cambridge.
Refugee Status Determination: Facing Rejections
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Asylum seekers feel that basic standards of procedural fairness are not being upheld in the RSD process in Kakuma, and fear the consequences of rejections.
Democracy and Refugee Participation in Decision-Making
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Refugees ask whether the UNHCR policy of “participatory decision-making” is actually being realized in Kakuma Camp, and express hope for a more democratic society in refugee camps.
Refugee Experiences of Legal Protection in Kakuma Camp
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Lack of information, lack of access to authorities, and widespread uncertainty about the future of their legal protection and durable solutions
MixMe Nutritional Supplement Raises Questions
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Refugees raise critical questions about the “product rollout” of a new nutritional supplement called Mix Me.
Delays in Resettlement Process Leave Refugees Lingering
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Refugees face anxiety and uncertainty while awaiting feedback on resettlement cases that are unexpectedly delayed.
UNHCR Headcount Encounters Roadblocks
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Technological failure of UNHCR database causes delay in the headcount operation, sparking stampedes and a stone-throwing altercation.
UNHCR Official Flees Field Post
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
A routine visit by a UNHCR official to Field Post was halted as dissatisfied refugees began to stone the premises and the UNHCR official fled to a get-away vehicle.
Boda-Boda Members Demonstrate Over GSU Harrassment
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Boda-boda bicycle taxi drivers demonstrated on March 21st, claiming harassment and unfair competition from the GSU police.
Somali Relocation to Kakuma Alters Course
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
Plans to relocate 50,000 Somali refugees from Dadaab Camp to Kakuma Camp have changed as the government agrees to establish a new camp in Northeastern Province.
D* Change Festival Awakens Spirits in Kakuma
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
The D*Change Festival Gospel Crusade entertained refugees and the surrounding public from 12th to 13th March, with popular musicians making a vibrant appearance.
IRC Destroys Refugee Hut on Allegations of Theft
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
IRC destroys a refugee’s building without forewarning, claiming that the iron sheets were “illegally” obtained.
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