Refugees an emotive issue

Mazou thinks the new strategy will calm some tensions often seen between locals and refugees and allow host nations to benefit from refugee skills.

“We must make sure that we do not lose the opportunities, talents and resources that refugee populations have,” he said.

Experts think that while it is important for the benefits of refugee relief to reach local communities, it is also important for host governments to think of a balance between humanitarian obligations and long-term solutions.

“[A] host government must have its own agenda first of all, on what it wants in hosting refugees. Otherwise, it will become a playground for all manner of things,” said Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Abbas Gullet.

“When policy makers have a sense of direction, everything will fall into place. There should never be a separation of relief and development aid.”