International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The separatist movements in Anglophone Cameroon and clashes with government forces have led to widespread violence, displacement, and human rights abuses. As a result, over 60,000 refugees have crossed into Nigeria between 2017 and 2022.
Objective: While studies have explored the causes of the conflict and the challenges faced by the refugees in their various camps, this research assesses how the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its interventions have tackled the survival challenges of the Cameroonian refugees in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Method: Theoretically, the study was anchored on the Global Governance Theory. Survey and documentary methods were used to gather data. The survey was done through in-depth interview. Key official were selected and interviewed based on the survival challenges of the refugees. The data generated were analyzed using logical deductions.
Results: Findings indicate that despite various interventions of the UNHCR and its partners, the Cameroonian Anglophone refugees in Cross River State still face humanitarian crises including poor living conditions, insecurity of lives and mental wellbeing of the refugees.
Conclusion: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has made commendable efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to Cameroonian Anglophone refugees in Cross River State; however, it is evident that these interventions have fallen short of fully addressing the survival challenges and the poor living conditions of the refugees.
Unique Contribution: Despite the humanitarian assistance by the UNHCR, the immediate survival challenges of the Cameroonian Anglophone refuges in Cross River State are yet to be addressed. The study has offered new insight into the management of Cameroonian Anglophone refugees and how better the refugees will be taken care of in Nigeria.
Key Recommendation: The study recommends that the UNHCR in synergy with the Nigerian Government should improve basic services and infrastructure within the refugee camps, including expanding shelters to alleviate overcrowding, ensuring access to clean water and healthcare services.