Legal implications of cessation of refugee status: a case study of Rwandan Refugees

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Date
2018
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Abstract
This study explores States obligations in the application of cessation clause of refugee status. The study is inspired by three growing concerns amongst refugees, States, United Nations, scholars in refugee studies and stakeholders namely; intensified debates by States questioning their obligations under the refugee cessation clause; the increased call by States through tripartite agreements for precipitated repatriation of refugees vis a vis the low turn-out of refugees willing to repatriate; and the growing jurisprudence challenging the application and modalities in implementing the cessation clause. Using Rwandan refugees as a case study, the study examines the reception, refugee status determination process and management of refugees. The study affirms that though repatriation in the country of origin is the best durable solution for refugees, measuring whether the changes are fundamental, durable and sustainable is often a difficult balancing act for States and the United Nations commissioner for Refugees. In addition and due to the strict application of the non-refoulement principle, States sovereignty is threatened by the growing numbers of abandoned refugees and asylum seekers. The study finds that the States review of their obligations under the refugee cessation clause are well intended and calls for concerted efforts from the United Nations and all Stakeholders. The study recommends two (2) areas in the need for further scholarly research namely; on the adopted Common Asylum Procedures and their contribution in the refugee burden sharing; and on the right to asylum for rejected refugees and asylum seekers.
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Keywords
Refugees, Refugees status, Rwandan Refugees
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