Perceptions of refugees about the durable solutions: a case study of the Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana

Abstract

Refugees living in the Buduburam camp of Ghana suffer from numerous social, economic and psychological problems owing to their status as refugees. These problems require the durable solutions, but the implementation of the durable solutions cannot be achieved without the acceptance of the solutions by the refugees. This research sought to assess the perceptions of refugees about the durable solutions. By adapting ‘When Displacement Ends’ framework for the durable solutions, the study assessed the refugees’ knowledge, preference, expectations and challenges associated with the durable solutions. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to solicit views from refugees about the durable solutions. The findings suggest that resettlement was the most preferred durable solution. Knowledge about the durable solutions was widespread among the refugees, but they did not fully understand the concept of local integration. Generally, easy access to employment, skills training, health care, and education were found to be major expectations of the durable solutions. Fear of persecution, competing with Ghanaians for job opportunities, and inadequate information about resettlement were the main challenges associated with the implementation of voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement of refugees in a third country respectively. It is recommended that UNHCR and GRB should educate more refugees about the exact packages for voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement in a third country. This will clarify some perceptions they have about the durable solutions.