Escaping humanitarian aid in camps? Rethinking the links between refugees’ encampment, urban self-settlement, coping and peace

Abstract

Most refugees flee violent conflicts and seek peace and safety in host countries in the global south, where humanitarian refugee aid appears essential. However, for access to aid, refugees are often settled in camps, which are criticized for strict hierarchies, limited livelihoods and prevalent violence. This article asks whether some refugees choose to live in urban areas to get away from camps. Based on empirical research in Uganda, the article centers on refugees’ narratives to shed light on their experiences in camps and their reasons for living in Uganda’s capital Kampala despite difficulties. Although many refugees’ decisions for the city are strongly influenced by seeking to avoid camps, a clear separation of camps and cities as sole sites of residence cannot be drawn. Refugees rather cope with issues strategically, for which questions of time and space are key. Their mobilities help the people as they strive to deal with the past, improve current livelihoods and find peaceful settings.