Lived Experiences of Rwandan Former Refugees in Lusaka, Zambia: Hermeneutics Phenomenology Approach
- October 4, 2021
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: Education, IJRSI
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705
Mubanga Chisha Esteller Kabwe, Gistered Muleya & Francis Simui
Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia
Abstract: The study explored the lived experiences of the Rwandan Former Refugees in Lusaka. The study was guided by the following objectives: (i) to describe the lived experiences of the Rwandan Former Refugees in Lusaka; (ii) to explore the challenges experienced by the Rwandan Former Refugees in Lusaka ; (iii) to highlight the opportunities that addressed the challenges of Former Refugees in Lusaka. The study was guided by Hermeneutics Phenomenology within qualitative methodology informed by a sample size of ten (10) former Rwandan refugees, selected using snowball sampling. The collection of data was conducted using an online interview form. The study revealed that Rwandans have been able to exploit a number of opportunities in Zambia, which include education, marriage, business, and employment. However, the study also showed that refugees encountered a number of challenges, which included discrimination, stereotypes, violence, documentation, and theft. On the factors causing the former Rwandan refugees to remain in Zambia, the study showed that peace and stability, employment, intermarriages, disbelief of restored peace in Rwanda, and fear of insecurity in Rwanda were the reasons for the Rwandans to remain in Zambia. The study also showed that changing labour and integration laws of the country was the solution to the challenges faced by the former Rwandan refugees in Zambia. Therefore, the conclusion of the study was that Rwandans have found a suitable environment to restart their lives in Zambia. Based on the findings, the study recommended that documentation of the former Rwandan refugees be expedited to allow them a legal stay in Zambia.
Key Words: Lived experiences, Rwandan Refugees, Hermeneutics Phenomenology, Zambia
I. CONTEXT
The migration of people to other countries in trying to evade persecution, conflict, natural disasters in their countries of origin has become fecund nowadays. This situation often creates a myriad of social and legal problems, including changes in the legal regime governing the affairs of these people who become refugees in the recipient countries (Guterres 2010). As the nature of the refugee problem is international, stakeholders have developed international approaches and mechanisms to protect refugees, which include resettlement, integration and repatriation. Repatriation can either be voluntary or involuntary as a result of change in the circumstances which have initially caused the refugees to escape from their home countries (Loescher et al. 2008). According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
