Exploring the Psychosocial Needs of Refugees in Ethiopia: The case of Berahle Refugee Camp

Abstract

Aimed at exploring and understanding the psychosocial needs of the refugees in Ethiopia, focused on the Eritrean-Afari refugees in Berahle refugee camp, the study managed to answer three of its research questions using a qualitative approach, framed against an exploratory research method is deployed. The data solicited for this study was qualitative in nature, which deployed qualitative approaches and research tools, namely, Focus Group Discussion with refugee, Semi-Structured Interview with service providers and Researcher‟s observation as well as review of secondary documents. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method of thematic identification approach for its coding procedures of the discussion and interview results, this study has identified and consolidated seven important unmet psychosocial needs of the refugees, which are still pervasive gaps between the actual needs of the refugees and the service rendered by the service provider agencies. These are Emotional needs (for respect, security, social interaction and participation); Identity needs (for sense of belongingness and cultural recognition); Legal needs (for access to rights and autonomy).