Entrenched relations and the permanence of long-term refugee camp situations

This paper reviews literature on protracted refugee situations and constructs a theoretical structure to explain the entrenched nature of refugee camps – a de facto fourth 'durable solution.' It argues that the relations among UNHCR, state governments (developed and developing), and refugees are often rigid and create a trajectory for similar future relations and for continued protracted refugee situations. Through this theoretical lens, the paper looks at Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya, where state deterrence, a lack of refugee protection, struggles with identity, and the neo-colonialism and power synonymous with humanitarianism are evident.

This paper also looks at proposed and possible solutions to the long-term nature of such situations.