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 Providing Culturally Competent Disability Services to Persons Born in other Countries
May 6 - 8, 2002

Provision of rehabilitation services to refugees in Central Africa

Bakunzi Denis, M.
Medical Action in Africa (HURUMA)
Rwanda, Africa

Abstract

Central Africa, a region characterized by greed, power hunger and dictatorship has clung to rulers of member states ever since the era of independence started. Repeatedly, wars, demonstrations and other military/political forces have organized to oust the m from power. Consequently, a history has emerged of repetitive emigration of people from their homeland, to find safety. They become refugees; many of their children are born refugees, as well, and all require rehabilitation, usually in three phases:

  1. Providing basic needs
  2. Determining and managing the causes of displacement and refugee status
  3. Helping to establish refugees in a foreign land or to repatriate those who will return to their native country
These services are provided through humanitarian organizations and governments in host countries. Success is usually achieved, but challenges are numerous. Although causes of displacement are mainly political, there are others, including natural disasters like the current volcanic eruptions in Congo, which require a different approach to rehabilitation.

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