Assessing the effectiveness of international organizations in protection of refugee rights in Uganda: a case of United Nations High Commission for Refugees in central division, Kampala district.

Abstract

The study focused assessing the effectiveness of international organizations in protection of refugee rights in Uganda using a specific reference of UNHCR in Central division, Kampala district. The study was guided by three objectives namely to examine the mechanisms used by IOs in protection of refugee rights, to assess the challenges faced by IOs in protection of refugee rights and to analyze the measures that should be adopted in ensuring protection of refugees by IOs in Uganda. The research design used descriptive research design and data collection methods included documentary review, questionnaires and interview. The data collected were analyzed through Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS). Findings from the study assessed the effectiveness of IOs in protection of refugee rights, including mechanisms used by IOs in protection of refugee rights such as; Non-refoulement and expulsion of refugees, Non-penalization for irregular entry, Reception facilities and assistance, Procedures for refugee status determination, Identity and travel documents, Confidentiality and Durable solutions. The study revealed challenges encountered by IOs in protecting the rights of refugee people thus including; Preserving the asylum space, Addressing the protection concerns in mixed population flows, Providing solutions, Ensuring the sustainability of returns, Promoting the use of resettlement, Becoming a more predictable and fully-engaged partner in the new approach to situations of internal displacement, Improving the security of refugees and humanitarian workers and the internal reform challenge. The findings of this study established that extending the international legal framework, developing and strengthening asylum systems, improving protection standards, seek durable solutions were the measures adopted in ensuring protection of refugees by international organizations. The study recommended that UNHCR must improve the process o status determination so that refugees that are entering Uganda have more support, such as accommodation along with other basic services, while they wait for their status to be determined. Other stake holders should assist refugees who arrive in Uganda by providing for the issuance of identity documents to both asylum-seekers and refugees. The study also recommended that The Ugandan government must increase its support of organizations that wish to provide support to refugees in Kampala. Uganda’s policy on urban refugees allows them to reside in urban areas