REFUGEES: Why do people leave?

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The 4th International Conference NOW has started in Kampala with focus on African youth and migration. It runs until September 5.

The reasons and realities of forced migration, both from Africa to Europe, and also from Europe to Africa, was the centre of discussion by delegates on Monday.

The conference noted that lack of or the desire for better Education, employment and skills are one of the pull factors influencing migration to Europe from Africa.

The conference aims to share perspectives from European and African delegates and come out witth solutions to make it easier for migrants and also find solutions to encourage youth to stay in Africa.

The conference is organised by Act.Now in cooperation with the International Institute for Peace  and supported by local partner organizations.   Hannes Swoboda is the Conference curator. He is the President of the International Institute for Peace IIP.

“Due to their common history, Africa and Europe are connected in such a way that finding solutions  can only happen in a joint effort,” Act.Now said in a statement earlier.

The conference has brought together over 45 participants from up to a dozen Sub-saharan countries, with a few European experts and politicians.

Key findings and recommendations shall be published for the 5th EU-Africa Summit taking place from 28‐29 November 2017 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

According to UNHCR, Sub-Sahara Africa hosts more than 26% of the world’s refugee population. The vast majority of African refugees and migrants stay in Africa, those trying to go to Europe often risk their lives and are increasingly perceived as a threat in the receiving countries.

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— The Independent (@UGIndependent) September 4, 2017

NOW International Conference Kampala 2017 by The Independent Magazine on Scribd