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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Legal Dimensions of the Refugee Problem in Africa
Author:Okogbule, Nlerum S.
Year:2004
Periodical:East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights
Volume:10
Issue:2
Pages:176-191
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:OAU
refugees
African agreements
Politics and Government
Law, Human Rights and Violence
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Miscellaneous (i.e. Demography, Refugees, Sports)
Abstract:The refugee problem in Africa today is more pressing and critical than ever before. This position is accounted for by the increasing number of conflicts in several African countries, which has led to the mass exodus of nationals from these countries to neighbouring States, most of which are facing severe economic problems. No doubt, the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention has been a strong pillar for refugee protection in Africa. It has greatly facilitated the granting of asylum to refugees and the implementation of voluntary repatriation in a way that has consolidated affinity and comity among African States and inspired the development of favourable refugee laws, policies and practices. Yet, a number of key legal issues remain unresolved and their nonresolution has created some problems in terms of implementation. The nonspecification of the scope of 'reasonable distance' from the border as settlement areas for refugees in the African Convention are knotty legal issues that have engaged the attention of policymakers in Africa responsible for the implementation of the Convention. Even more fundamental, is the absence of provisions for the establishment of a regional institution or agency to handle the problem of refugees on the continent. Recommendations to deal with this situation conclude the paper. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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