We Aren't Hooked on Handouts' Challenge Liberian Refugees

This article describes a small town, "Buduburam," in Ghana, a place where refugees from Liberia are now living. Contrary to the expectation of a refugee camp with barbed wire fences, inhabitants here move about freely. The author says that if it were not for the "cramped appearance that suggests hurried construction - it could pass for a normal Ghanaian town." The village is described as bustling with business and the refugees are growing crops for a new market that is run by them along side local townspeople. In Buduburam, Liberian women are described as having their first opportunity to become educated and learn business skills.

The author mentions the experience of a researcher, Shelly Dick, who conducted a field study in Buduburam in 2000. Based on her experience there, she states "this dispels a common myth (held by governments, donors and the media) that refugees are dependent and hooked on handouts in camps." "There is a myth perpetuated by the common UN agency response to dealing with a refugee crisis – which is to put them in camps.” She goes on to say that “While dependency is a myth, need is not – needs are very real and pressing.” "A situation should not be created "where refugees are reduced to [sic] beggars."

Refugees built houses, started their own businesses and took out loans for capital to finance startup businesses. According to David Kamphuis, UNHCR protection officer for Ghana, the evolution of Buduburam's development is a success because "unlike most refugee camps – it does not isolate refugees from locals."

The article goes on to point out that "the picture is not all rosy." Some residents are unemployed and some cannot afford to buy bread. "Although they have managed very well, it's clear some people fell through the cracks,” says Kamphuis. “The assistance we now provide is not so much to individuals. We help the schools with books, benches, building a new school block.”

The author refers to a quote by Allison Hughes, a refugee and physics lecturer at the University of Ghana, who believes the UN should study Buduburam and use it as a model. She states “If we were able to survive, they should find out at what point aid should be cut off so that people's initiative will grow.”

While the situation in Buduburam points to success, "Ghanaians have mixed feelings towards the refugees, often perpetuated by the media. Stereotypes exist - for example - the government is spending its scant resources on refugees or the refugees are involved in crime.

According to the Secretary of the Government's Refugee Board, “The biggest problem dealing with refugees is ignorance.” We've been trying to educate people that they're just like us, that they're no different.”

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