Dealing with dying: some anthropological reflections on the need for assistance by refugee relief programmes for bereavement and burial

Most of the material is drawn from African examples. Even if effective assistance is provided, many refugees die during flight and exile.

Using case material it is shown that despite the lack of resources, refugees continue to invest heavily in funeral and burial rites. Through lack of understanding, this behaviour often leads to conflict with relief officials. The paper argues that minimal support could make a substantial psycho-social contribution and have administrative and health benefits.