Read Here: Four African nations who take “Brother’s Keepers” to Heart

Four countries in Africa epitomize the concept of being their brother’s keeper. According to the latest available data four African countries hosting the most refugees are Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya

Four countries in Africa epitomize the concept of being their brother’s keeper. According to the latest available data four African countries hosting the most refugees are Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Here are the estimated numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Convention refugees, and non-Convention refugees that they are hosting:

  • Uganda:
    • IDPs: 1.45 million (as of December 2020)
    • Convention refugees: 1.4 million (as of March 2021)
    • Non-Convention refugees: 1 million (approximately, as of December 2020)
  • Sudan:
    • IDPs: 1.9 million (as of December 2020)
    • Convention refugees: 1.1 million (as of March 2021)
    • Non-Convention refugees: 1 million (approximately, as of December 2020)
  • Ethiopia:
    •  IDPs: 2.8 million (as of December 2020)
    •  Convention refugees: 790,000 (as of March 2021)
    • Non-Convention refugees: 700,000 (approximately as of December 2020)
  • Kenya:
    • IDPs: 189,000 (as of December 2020)
    •  Convention refugees: 537,000 (as of March 2021)
    • Non-Convention refugees: 22,000 (approximately, as of December 2020)

It’s worth noting that these numbers are subject to change due to the dynamic nature of displacement. Further, it may only capture part of the humanitarian needs in each country. Additionally, the numbers of non-Convention refugees are estimates, as international laws do not formally recognize does not these numbers. 

Advertisement

Meanwhile, International communities do not include Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the definition of Convention Refugees. Convention Refugees are individuals forced to flee their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The international community believes they are refugees under the 1951 United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees.

On the other hand, IDPs have been forced to flee their homes due to armed conflicts, generalized violence, human rights violations, natural disasters, or other reasons. Still, they have not crossed an international border. Therefore, they are still within their own country and are not subject to the protection of the 1951 Refugee Convention. However, they are entitled to protection and assistance under international and national laws and standards, such as the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

What are “Non-Convention Refugees”? These individuals have been forced to flee their homes or country due to generalized violence, armed conflicts, environmental disasters, or other situations that have seriously disrupted public order. While they do not meet the definition of a Convention Refugee, they may still be entitled to protection under national or international law.

Altogether, the four African countries mentioned above are looking after a total of approximately:

  • 6.36 million internally displaced persons (IDPs)
  • 3.83 million Convention refugees
  • 1.72 million non-Convention refugees (estimated)

Countries like these 4 face a variety of challenges when they choose to assist displaced persons and refugees, including:

Financial Burden: Assisting displaced persons and refugees can be expensive, as countries must provide food, shelter, healthcare, education, and other basic services. This can significantly strain a country’s resources, especially if the displaced population is large as in African nations.

Advertisement

The strain on Infrastructure: The sudden influx of displaced persons and refugees can strain a country’s infrastructure, including housing, transportation, and healthcare systems. This can result in overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and other health risks.

Political Tensions: Hosting large numbers of displaced persons and refugees can lead to political tensions, particularly if the displaced population is considered a burden or threat to the host country’s security or economy.

Integration: Integrating displaced persons and refugees into the host community can be challenging, particularly if they come from different cultural, religious, or linguistic backgrounds. Language barriers and cultural differences can make it difficult for displaced persons and refugees to access services and integrate into society.

Protection and Security: Displaced persons and refugees are often vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and violence, particularly women and children. Host countries must ensure that they are protected and provided with adequate security.

Legal Framework: Host countries must comply with international legal frameworks that protect the rights of displaced persons and refugees, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and other international human rights treaties. This can create legal and administrative challenges for the host country.

Providing assistance to displaced persons and refugees can be complex and challenging. In african nations, these initiatives require significant resources, infrastructure, and political will. However, it is also a vital humanitarian obligation and an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity and compassion to those in need.

Latest articles

Related articles