Local Integration as a Durable Solution for Refugees in South Africa

• Author: Jean Chrysostome Kanamugire
• Position: Senior Lecturer, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Faculty of Law, South Africa
• Pages: 44-57

ACTA UNIVERSITATIS DANUBIUS Vol. 12, no. 3/2016

44

Local Integration as a Durable Solution for

Refugees in South Africa

Jean Chrysostome KANAMUGIRE

1

Abstract: In th is paper we have examined the local integration as a durable solution for refugees to

alleviate the daily challenges they encounter. Local integration is an economic, socio-cultural and

legal process. It facilitates refugees to have access to educati on, the right to seek employment, engage

in econo mic activities and freedom of movement. It assists re fugees to acquire permanent reside nt

permits and citizenship in the country o f their asylum. Local integration is an economic process

whereby refugees acquire rights and entitlements that allow them to establish a sustainable livelihood

and be self-reliant. On social level, refugees live among local populations, in harmony without any

discrimination. Due to the protracted conflicts in various states, refugees cannot be voluntarily

repatriated. Furthermore, a few number of refugees acquire resettlement in third countries. There is a

quest to implement local integration for refugees so that they acquire legal, economic and social rights

that will assist them to make a meaningful contribution in various sectors of the host country. The

paper is useful to academics, practitioners and government official dealing with refugee issues.

Keywords: refugees; asylum seekers; permanent residence; naturalisation; citizenship

1. Introduction

Local integration is an important durable solution for refugees. It “allows refugees

to integrate into their countries of first asylum” (Weissbrodt, 2008). Local

integration is an economic, socio-cultural and legal process. First, it is a legal

process, whereby refugees are granted a progressive wider range of rights and

entitlements by the host state (Crisp, 2004). According to the 1951 Convention

Relating to the Status of Refugees (Refugee Convention), they include, for

example, the right to seek employment, to engage in other income generating

activities, to enjoy freedom of movement and to have access to public services such

1

Senior Lecturer, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Faculty of Law, S outh Africa. Address:

corner Albert Luthuli & University Drive, Mafikeng, 2745, South Africa, Tel.: +2718 389 2802.

Corresponding author: jean.kanamugire@nwu.ac.za.

AUDJ, vol. 12, no. 3/2016, pp. 44-57