Refugees mistreated â€" report

By Carol Natukunda and Mable Twegumye

THE 2007 world refugee survey has cited mistreatment of refugees in uganda’s camp settlements.

Camp commandants, the survey said, flogged refugees in Kyangwali, Kyaka II and Nakivale refugee camp settlements.

The survey conducted by the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants was launched on Wednesday by the Refugee Law Project director, Dr. Chris Dolan, at Old Kampala.

The report gives an overview of the status of refugees in the world and an assessment of their welfare. Issues such as physical protection, detention, freedom of movement, right to earn a livelihood, public relief and education were analysed.

Speaking during the launch, some refugees said they were being victimised. “I went to the Nakivale camp with my three daughters looking for assistance.

But after registration, they didn’t offer assistance. So what is the use of camps, when only a few are benefiting?” asked one Congolese, drawing applause.

Another complained that some families were being shifted from one camp to another.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees senior protection officer Mostafa Khezry, said: “it is not true. We monitor the situation, we go there everyday. But I will remind our offices to look into the issue.”

He, however, said Nakivale is an old camp faced with a water shortage and poor soils. He added: “We are doing out best to rectify the problems.”

Refugee Law Project legal officer Godwin Buwa said: “The problem comes from the manner in which you go to ask for assistance.”