Vimbai Mugadza

Empowerment Based Approaches to Quota Refugee Resettlement: a Case for New Zealand Vimbai Mugadza

The need for refugee resettlement has its origins in the events before and after the World Wars and is a current global phenomenon emanating from the various conflicts happening in many regions of the world. Various forms of permanently dealing with the refugee situation are used to address each special case and tools such as voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement in a third country are used. During the resettlement process and after, issues of power and control over resources and decision making capabilities have an impact on the resettled families. The question remains - 'To what extend, and how can the resettlement processes be developed in a way that supports empowerment'?. This book discusses the concepts of power and empowerment and their application in refugee resettlement. It challenges providers of resettlement programmes to make a conscious individual resettlement plan which progresses from handouts to empowerment. While refugees come into a new country requiring all forms of support, as they settle their hope is to work and provide for their families and gain back their sense of purpose again.