Home Institution
University of Pittsburgh
Publication Date
Spring 2014
Abstract
This paper is the product of a study that examines the experiences of urban refugees in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Refugees around the world, often victims of unthinkable human rights abuses, are forced to rely fully on the hospitality and protection of the international community. This unique relationship between a refugee and his/her host state can present serious challenges to both parties. This research examined the resources available to refugees in Yaoundé, evaluated their effectiveness, and explored possibilities for improving the experience of these urban refugees. I utilized eighteen structured interviews with refugees and four follow-‐up in depth interviews with three refugees and the director of a local NGO, Respect Cameroon. My results indicated that the resources available to refugees are primarily provided by UNHCR and local NGO’s. I also concluded that these resources exhibit low levels of effectiveness, and could be improved through increased dialogue between organizations and a focus on increasing refugee’s knowledge of their legal rights.
Disciplines
African Studies | Family, Life Course, and Society | Inequality and Stratification | International and Area Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies | Politics and Social Change | Race and Ethnicity | Social Welfare | Sociology of Culture | Urban Studies
Recommended Citation
Walbert, Morgan, "“Nous Souffrons” Examining the Problems Facing Urban Refugees in Yaoundé, Cameroon" (2014). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 1868.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1868
Included in
African Studies Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Welfare Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Urban Studies Commons
Program Name
Cameroon: Social Pluralism and Development