International Journal of Human Rights
Volume 20, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 123-137

Struggling to start over: Human rights challenges for Somali Bantu refugees in the United States (Article)

Coughlan R. , Stam K. , Kingston L.N.*
  • a Empire State College, Utica, NY, United States
  • b State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY, United States
  • c Webster University, Saint Louis, MO, United States

Abstract

Despite persistent challenges to successful refugee resettlement in the United States, migration from Somalia has attracted little widespread attention from human rights scholars. Utilising longitudinal data from qualitative interviews conducted at three points over the course of ten years, this study shows that resettled Somali Bantu refugees face a range of rights challenges, particularly related to financial concerns and family issues. Rather than solely focusing on cultural differences, interviews highlight the obstacles created by practical concerns and inadequacies – including those that threaten the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR). Recommendations include the extension of support services and the creation of mentorship programmes for adult refugees. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

Social Refugees refugee resettlement Somalia Somali Bantu Economic And cultural rights (ESCR) Family rights

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84936976607&doi=10.1080%2f13642987.2015.1061237&partnerID=40&md5=da7de4c96be70081ef708d657540656b
DOI: 10.1080/13642987.2015.1061237
ISSN: 13642987
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English