Experiences of social exclusion and inclusion among emerging adult refugees from African Great Lakes Region

Victory Osezua,Doroty Sato,Lesley M Harris

doi:10.33790/jphip1100165

Abstract

This study explores and describes social exclusion and inclusion among emerging adult refugees from the African Great Lakes region fleeing the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed to conduct twelve in-depth interviews with emerging adult refugees aged 18–25 years old. Findings suggest that emerging adult refugees experience discrimination, dehumanization, and loss of identity during pre- and post-migration in the US. In response, social inclusion is promoted through resilience and establishing a community. The findings suggest that young refugees value mentorship to establish social inclusion through community building. This study also suggested that programs and future research build on the existing strengths of young refugees and communities to achieve sustainable refugee programs and initiatives.

Highlights

In 2003, fifteen African countries were involved in conflicts and civil wars leading to eight million people seeking refuge or asylum in other countries [1]
There were 58.3% female and 41.7% male participants ranging in age from 19 – 25 years. They had lived in the US from one to five years (Mean = 3.1, S.D = 1.44). 50 percent of the participants were born in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 25% in Tanzania, while the rest were born in Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda
Even though literature revealed that discrimination is a significant form of social exclusion [14 -16], this study revealed that some immigrants who have resettled in the US for a longer time than our study participants looked down on newly arriving refugees who were getting settled in their new environment

Summary

Introduction

In 2003, fifteen African countries were involved in conflicts and civil wars leading to eight million people seeking refuge or asylum in other countries [1]. The Great Lakes Region in Africa which includes the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania has been affected by civil strikes for decades [2]. According to the International Rescue Committee [1], approximately 2.3 million people from the African Great Lakes Region were displaced internally, and 70,000 crossed the borders to neighboring countries. The African Great Lakes Region refugees reside in different countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania are the leading host countries providing asylum [3]. Resettlement followed a period of transition spent in either an urban or rural refugee camp. These camps varied in educational and job opportunities for refugees. Of the refugees resettling in the US, 55% were young adults aged 15-44 years and 40% were children under 15 years old [4]

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Discussion

Conclusion