Interpreters' training needs in refugee humanitarian crises: Perceptions from Cameroon

This chapter looks at the specific issues that arise from the work of interpreters in the refugee context, including neutrality, empathy, and trust-related matters and will propose approaches to address those through adequate training. Interpreting for refugees in humanitarian emergencies is one of the least studied and most under-recognised types of interpreting. Interpreters that dealt with conflict and post-conflict situations in their line of work had the same complaint: a lack of specialised training for their specific role. In the world at large, but especially in Africa, unfortunately, interpreting in conflict zones and providing interpreting services in the many refugee camps that come into existence as a result of conflict is a frequently required mode of work for interpreters. Mirabelle works as humanitarian staff for the International Red Cross organisations and has organised several sensitisation campaigns in refugee camps in the Northern regions of Cameroon.