The reality of refugee rights in Africa: How to implement the right to work in an era of refugee camps

The importance of one’s ability to pursue fulfilling employment is undeniable. People all over the world spend most of their days at work in various fields in order to find or maintain a fulfilling life. They imagine a stable future in which their children and communities will benefit from their hard work. Unfortunately, this hope is often not practical for people who flee persecution and war and become refugees in other countries. With over 45 million refugees in the world, it is critical to evaluate existing systems that either provide or prevent refugees from accessible gainful employment in their host states. This thesis seeks to do just that, specifically in regards to those who live in camps in Africa. This work argues that implementing the right to work for refugees not only benefits them as individuals, but that it also contributes to the development of their host communities as well as their countries of origin. To get to that conclusion, I will discuss legislations that guide the treatment of refugees in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique