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Refugee movements causing unrest, tension

Saturday March 08 2014

Population displacement caused by war and internal conflicts in Eastern Africa is one of the biggest threats to social cohesion, regional integration and economic development.

According to a recent study conducted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Uneca), the displacement has forced thousands of residents to abandon their homes and migrate to other areas raising tension between host communities and the newcomers.

The forced migration has in some cases resulted in xenophobic behaviour targeting migrants, who are normally viewed as intruders by host countries or communities.

READ: Rwandan returnees tell of xenophobia

The study which focused on fostering social cohesion and regional integration was a subject of discussion during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) organised by Uneca in Kinshasa last month.

According to Uneca, some countries are finding it hard to invest and provide adequate social services due to large numbers of refugees.

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“There is an extremely high degree of displacement of populations across the region, placing great pressure on governments in terms of the provisions of social services and economic infrastructure,” said the study.

The ICE expressed concern that  large numbers of refugees had become a security threat in some host countries.

Kenya, for example, is home to an estimated 630,000 refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, majority coming Somalia.

READ: Kenya has ‘most refugee camps’

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