No Refuge : The Crisis of Refugee Militarization in Africa

The militarization of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially in Africa, is causing growing alarm within the humanitarian and development communities. The planned and spontaneous arming of refugees and IDPs threatens access to asylum as well as protection. But while the policy debates rage over how to deal with armed refugees and how to prevent their spill-over into neighbouring countries, surprisingly little research has been done to explain why displaced people arm themselves or how militarization affects the local and host populations. This book traces the experience of refugee and IDP militarization in four African countries emerging from or affected by war: Guinea, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. It considers the effects of such militarization on regional, national, and human security, and reflects on the responses of hosting governments and humanitarian organizations. 'Africa's refugee and IDP camps are a cause of major concern to the international community. Millions of men, women and children endure situations of protracted displacement in deplorable conditions. In the absence of more durable solutions, refugees and IDPs in many situations are exceptionally susceptible to militarization. No Refuge describes how the phenomenon of refugee militarization threatens to undermine asylum and protection. This edited volume is a timely and invaluable resource for governments, UNHCR protection officers, UN agencies, and NGOs. It is a must-read for all concerned with improving the safety and rights of refugees and IDPs on the ground.' António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 'No Refuge provides a timely analysis by a group of Africa experts of the causes and consequences of refugee militarization in Africa. It should prove invaluable for practitioners, policy-makers and academics in their quest to find practical and effective remedies for this growing humanitarian and security problem. I highly recommend it.' Professor Gil Loescher, Centre for International Studies, University of Oxford The militarization of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) is a persistent and tragic feature of protracted displacement situations, especially in Africa. The phenomenon threatens access to asylum and protection-core pillars of refugee law and the mandates of aid agencies. But while policy debates rage over how best to disarm refugees and prevent them from destabilizing neighbouring states, there is surprisingly little evidence explaining why displaced people arm themselves or precisely how militarization affects hosting communities. No Refuge analyses the experience of refugee and IDP militarization in several African countries affected by and emerging from civil war, including Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. It provides a considered overview of the historical, political and regional dimensions of refugee and IDP militarization in Africa, as well as international and national efforts to contain it. No Refuge Analyses The Experience Of Refugee And Idp Militarization In Several African Countries Affected By And Emerging From Civil War, Including Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda And Tanzania. It Provides A Considered Overview Of The Historical, Political And Regional Dimensions Of Refugee And Idp Militarization In Africa, As Well As International And National Efforts To Contain It.--jacket. Arms Availability And Refugee Militarization In Africa -- Conceptualizing The Issues / Robert Muggah And Edward Mogire -- The Militarization And Demilitarization Of Refugee Camps And Settlements In Guinea, 1999-2004 / James Milner With Astrid Christoffersen-deb -- Protection Failures : Outward And Inward Militarization Of Refugee Settlements And Idp Camps In Uganda / Robert Muggah -- Preventing Or Abetting : Refugee Militarization In Tanzania / Edward Mogire -- The Wheel Turns Again : Militarization And Rwanda's Congolese Refugees / Gregory Mthembu-salter -- From Bad To Better : Reflections On Refugee And Idp Militarization In Africa / Sue J. Nahm. Editor, Robert Muggah. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.