Africa stands as one of the continents grappling with significant numbers of camp and urban refugees and displaced individuals.

Notably, cities like Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Johannesburg have become havens for thousands of refugees seeking refuge from conflicts.

Countries like Mali, South Sudan, and Somalia contribute to a substantial portion of these displaced populations.

In recent times, the urban refugee population has experienced a remarkable surge.

Did you know that approximately 17.5 million refugees worldwide reside in urban areas rather than remote camps?

This shift is highlighted by the fact that 60% of all refugees and internally displaced people now call major cities their homes, as per the 2018 report by the World Refugee Council.

While the idea of camps once served as a temporary solution to the inflow of refugees, it has become evident over time that these setups are far from ideal for distressed populations.

In fact, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has remarked that camps can unintentionally resemble prisons.

Drawing from their expert insight, it’s clear that refugees are increasingly reluctant to embrace camp living.

Do you know when people started being lodged in camps?

Housing refugees in rural camps began in 1967. This was during the Biafra civil war in Nigeria. There, independent African- international aid organizations provided basic assistance to escaping Nigerians.

Sadly still in 1967, UNHCR Commissioner Sadruddin Aga Khan remarked that urban refugees were problematic even by the most sympathetic commentators.

When did urban refugees become recognized?

In March 1997, the UNHCR published the first official policy statement on urban refugees.

This comprehensive policy encompassed various aspects, particularly highlighting the “self-reliance” model.

Overall, the approach aimed at empowering governments to grant refugees the right to work or establish businesses.

The UNHCR has been diligently working to enhance its policies concerning urban refugees.

For instance, their 2009 policy paper unveiled a surprising fact: over half of all refugees dwell in urban environments.

This policy advocated for cities to be recognized as legitimate abodes for refugees, where they can fully exercise their rights.

The ongoing research into the advantages of camp life versus city life continues.

In 2014, the UNHCR asserted that camps should be exceptions, not permanent homes. In fact, they propose the eventual elimination of camps, allowing refugees to live in cities and integrate into local life.

While these recommendations are commendable in theory, practical challenges persist.

For example, the unexpected 2019 attacks on foreigners in South Africa prompted the UNHCR to reconsider the necessity of camps, despite their earlier stance.

In general, many host countries lean towards establishing camps in remote areas due to the logistical convenience and basic protection they offer, given the large numbers of refugees.

However, South Africa has been hesitant to confine people to camps, choosing a different approach.

Challenges to the policy

Indeed, urban cities offer favorable conditions for refugees, yet there are fewer recommendations on how cities can better support them.

One significant challenge refugees face in cities is affording rent. While some manage to find accommodation with family and friends, many end up without a home.

Another major hurdle is their lack of official documentation.

It’s a well-known fact that thousands, if not millions, of refugees and asylum seekers around the world are denied work permits.

Consequently, many are pushed into the informal job sector, receiving meager wages.

Access to quality healthcare and education is also often elusive for them.

Despite the UNHCR’s aim to address dire camp conditions, their limited funds often leave them with few options.

Some member states prefer the UNHCR to manage camps rather than allowing refugees to move into cities.

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