Struggling to start over: human rights challenges for Somali Bantu refugees in the United States

Abstract

Despite persistent challenges to successful refugee resettlement in the United States, migration from Somalia has attracted little widespread attention from human rights scholars. Utilizing longitudinal data from qualitative interviews conducted at three times over the course of ten years, this study shows that resettled Somali Bantu refugees face a range of rights challenges, particularly related to financial concerns and family issues. Rather than solely focusing on cultural differences, interviews highlight the obstacles created by practical concerns and inadequacies – including those that threaten the full enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR). Recommendations include the extension of support services and the creation of mentorship programs for adult refugees.