Securing Refuge from Terror: Refugee Protection in East Africa after September 11

Abstract

Explores refugee protection in East Africa in the post-September 11, 2001, context, contending that the character of refuge & prospects for refugee protection will change. Three broad factors are seen to underpin this shift: history of state resistance to refugee protection, declining capacity of humanitarian entities, particularly the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), & the changing nature & characteristics of East African refugee populations. Policy adjustments required to bolster refugee protection is contemplated in light of domestic dynamics, eg, democratization, & the global war against terrorism: the state must be involved in refugee protection, focus should shift from relief to human rights protection, & criminals must be distinguished from refugees without compromising refugee human rights. J. Zendejas