Repatriation In The Post Cold War Period

Abstract

Repatriation to the country of origin is often times seen as a perfect solution for not only the refugees but also the host countries. Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR signed a Tripartite Agreement in November 2013 administering the repatriation of Somali refugees from Kenya to 'safe zones‘ in Southern Somalia. The main aim of this research was to investigate repatriation in the post cold war period: a case of repatriation of Somali refugees in Dadaab, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to review the repatriation process around the world, to examine the normative and institutional framework that supports repatriation process and to examine the repatriation process of Somali refugees from Kenya to Somalia. The data analysis was qualitative in nature thus the study made use of content analysis. Primary data was collected from Somali refugees in Dagahaley, Ifo, Ifo2, Kambios and Hagadera camp in Dadaab camp. Primary data was collected through the use of face-to-face interviews and phone interviews. Purposive sampling was employed in the study to identify respondents. The sample comprised of 20 refugees, 10 local community representatives‘ aid workers in the refugee camps, 5 representatives from Ministry of foreign affairs, 5 representatives from department of immigration. Secondary data was collected through reviewing relevant material such as UNHCR statistical data and research findings by scholars in the field. Content analysis help to capture the in-depth opinions of the respondents‘ decision making aspects of the problem under investigation. Emerging themes from the interviews and from document analysed formed the basis of further collection and summary. The analyzed data was presented qualitatively based on the respondents‘ in-depth analysis and measurement of their arguments, opinions, and ideas with regard to the problem under investigation. The study established that the current repatriation programme does not meet international standards for voluntary refugee return. The study concludes that the repatriation process would negatively affect the country of origin as it has no enough social amenities and infrastructures for its citizens. The study further established that the economy of the country of origin is likely to be affected as the number of dependants is increased. The study also established that repatriation is likely to affect the security status of the country since the people repatriating have no jobs or means of income thus desperate and may thus end up joining terrorist groups in the country. The study recommends that the Kenyan government should reconsider the repatriation process of the Somali refugees in Dadaab and deal with the insecurity situation in the country independently. The Kenyan government should extent the repatriation period instead of giving a fixed date when all the refugees should be gone. The government of Somalia should work on its economy by creating better infrastructure such as houses and roads; social amenities such as schools, hospitals.