Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights the nature of the conflicts in Africa during the period of transition from colonialism to independence and in the post-independence era. It examines the criteria by which refugee status is granted to the uprooted. The book describes the experiences of refugees in their efforts of adjustment to life in refuge, and aims to establish the factors that align the problems to crises in the lives of refugees. It assesses the value and effectiveness of existing refugee policies in Some African countries, endorses the relevance of refugee policies, and makes proposals for setting out meaningful policies in the best interests of refugees. The book analyses the forms of protection and material support refugees receive in compliance with their legal rights under the International Refugee Convention, and explores all the possible means of ending the period in refuge.