Refugee Solutions and Implications for Peace Among the South Sudanese Refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

Abstract

Generally, this study is about the refugee solutions and implications for peace among the South Sudanese refugees at Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. Consequently, it examined the global refugee issues and experiences within the context of the three lasting solutions; voluntary returning home, resettling abroad and integrating locally. It also analyzed working achievements, challenges and opportunities, especially within the refugees in a camp setting. The research critically analysed some of the policies and resolutions made with closer consideration of norms and institutions bestowed with the mandates in making sure that refugee issues are addressed in all levels. Similarly, the study examined how the implementation of refugee durable solutions escalated into conflicts among the South Sudanese refugees in Kakuma camp and finally concluded with a raft of recommendations to make a shift in thinking towards the refugee problem especially in its implementation of the three durable solutions. The study set out three hypotheses namely that the absence of comprehensive analysis of the three lasting remedies have impeded how they have fared globally, the inability to implement existing norms, policies and resolutions by respective institutions at all levels have exacerbated refugee problems and that the uncoordinated implementations of the refugee solutions sparked conflict among south Sudanese refugees in Kakuma camp. The study which depended largely on secondary and primary data with intermediate use of a map and thematic approach to present the information was situated within the Kunz Kinetic Model of Refugee Theory. The study found out that refugees' concerns regarding a successful return include their security, their original homes and possessions, and their steady livelihoods. Regarding integration, the refugees want a society in which they can access all the services they require, including healthcare, education, work, and—above all—social networks. Similar to integration, refugees also regard a successful resettlement as one in which their rights are upheld. Education, health, and security are just a few of the rights. The refugees generally believe that the most crucial elements in determining whether to return home, integrate, or resettle in a third nation are their political, social, and economic standing. Lastly, the study has given recommendations to make a shift in thinking towards the refugee problem especially in its implementation of the three durable solutions that includes; there should be increased practice of three elements; political, social, and economic, which are crucial in determining whether the refugees will voluntarily return home, integrate or resettle in a third country. Also, all governments must be guided by the International Laws. Similarly, regional bodies and implementing partners must adhere to International Law and there should be ways in which norms and institutions are all inclusive. Another recommendation is that there be an increased awareness to refugees and governments. This is because the study found out that during the implementation of the three durable solutions in Kakuma refugee camp for the South Sudanese refugees, there were challenges such as noncooperation from refugees and implementing partners, including the home country.