Browsing by Author "ZULU, Faith"

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    Investigating the Effects of Refugee Rights on the Socio- Economic Status of Rwandanese Youths: A Case Study of Makeni Transit Center, Lusaka.
    (2026) ZULU, Faith
    This study examined the impact of refugee rights on the socio-economic status and livelihood prospects of Rwandan youths at Makeni Transit Center in Lusaka, Zambia. Although Zambia is a signatory to key international legal instruments and enacted the Refugee Act No. 1 of 2017, the implementation of refugee rights remains inconsistent. As a result, refugee youths continue to experience poverty, unemployment, social marginalization, and limited access to education and formal livelihoods. The study sought to: (1) assess the extent to which refugee rights are upheld among Rwandan youths at Makeni Transit Center; (2) examine the socio-economic challenges affecting their livelihood opportunities; and (3) propose strategies to enhance their socio- economic well-being through improved rights implementation. Guided by Human Capital Theory and Social Capital Theory, the study employed a qualitative descriptive research design focusing on Rwandan youths aged 18–35. A purposive sample of 100 participants was selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analysed thematically to capture participants’ lived experiences. The findings revealed that the legal recognition of refugee rights does not consistently translate into effective practice. Only a small proportion of youths reported regular access to education, employment, legal documentation, and freedom of movement. High unemployment (46%), financial insecurity, limited access to affordable education, documentation challenges, and social exclusion were identified as major socio-economic barriers. Despite these constraints, participants demonstrated resilience and proposed practical solutions, including expanded formal employment opportunities, microfinance support, improved access to education, streamlined documentation processes, and strengthened community integration initiatives. The study concludes that when effectively implemented, refugee rights function as critical enablers of socio-economic empowerment rather than mere legal entitlements. Keywords: Refugee rights, socio-economic status, livelihood opportunities, Rwandan youths, Makeni Transit Center, Zambia, social capital, human capital.