YOUNG AFRICAN REFUGEES IN URBAN CONTEXT (ABIDJAN, DAKAR, GENEVA) PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS AND RESILIENCE
YOUNG AFRICAN REFUGEES IN URBAN CONTEXT (ABIDJAN, DAKAR, GENEVA) PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS AND RESILIENCE

Summary/Abstract: This article explores psychosocial aspects and resilience of young African refugees in an urban context (Abidjan, Ivory-Coast, Dakar-Senegal and Geneva-Switzerland). A review of literature, study methodology, and results are presented. The sample of our study consisted of 150 young African refugees aged 18 to 30 years. To gather and analyse the data, we employed qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews with young refugees as well as with the healthcare professionals and social workers) and quantitative methods (physical and mental health questionnaires). The results of the study show that in the three countries studied, the living conditions for refugees are difficult. Indeed, the grant of refugee status requires very lengthy procedures. The precariousness of the residence permit, settling refugees in a situation of waiting, negatively affects the psychological point of view. This prevents them from working and to project in the future; which places them in uncertainty situation. Some young refugees .have mental health problems. These problems are related to their pre-migration experiences in their country of origin and the post-migration conditions experience in the host country. More specifically these problems are linked to poverty, problems of cultural adaptation and family separation. They have constant anxiety and psychological problems characterised by fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches and stomach pains. Despite the hard conditions in which a large number of young refugees in Africa and Switzerland are living, most have personal and social resources to deal with this situation. We include some recommendations for promoting integration of young refugees in urban context.

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