The legal status of refugees in international and Namibian law

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

Then the dissertation will explore the refugee problem in the context of international law and general practice of states. By this it is meant the problems that the refugees face when they seek asylum; the problems that the receiving countries might experience due to influx of refugees; and the problems relating to actual implementation of refugee law which threaten to result in prejudice to the refugees

The last parts of the body of this dissertation will investigate the extent to which some of the most crucial rights of and safeguards for refugees enshrined in the two international conventions on refugees are implemented in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. These are freedom of movement, the right to work and earn a living as well as the prospects of naturalization in the host country. Then the paper will also critically discuss the role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the protection of refugee rights in general, bearing into account that such office has an extensive presence in the three countries to be discussed

The conclusion will attempt to highlight the problem areas in international refugee law and in the relevant parts of the domestic law of the countries studied, and suggest any possible solutions thereto