Population Displacement Research Articles

Assessment of International Legal Protections for Displaced Children in Armed Conflicts

The protection of displaced children in the armed conflicts is an urgent and critical issue that demands comprehensive legal assessment and intervention. Armed conflicts often result in the displacement of vulnerable populations, with children being among the most affected. These children face heightened risks, including violence, exploitation, and the loss of family ties, which significantly impacts their physical and psychological well-being. International legal frameworks, including conventions and treaties, aim to safeguard the rights of children in such dire circumstances. However, the effectiveness of these protections often varies in practice, particularly in conflict zones where enforcement mechanisms are weak or absent.

Resilience through Mobility: Urban Residents’ Adaptation Strategies in Conflict-Affected Bamenda, Cameroon

The global phenomenon of human population displacement during environmental stressors and socio-political crises has far-reaching impacts. In urban areas, residents' mobility is often driven by various factors. This study investigates urban residents' mobility as a resilience strategy in response to the Anglophone socio-political crisis in Bamenda, Cameroon. Employing a case study design and purposive sampling, the research selected five neighborhoods based on the extent of residential changes as a result of the ongoing socio-political crisis in the region. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 105 respondents and focus group discussions to explore residential mobility as a resilience mechanism. The findings revealed that five specific population groups were affected by the socio-political crisis, prompting them to relocate within Bamenda. Among those displaced, 60% were households led by individuals aged 26-32. Key reasons for displacement included ongoing violence, loss of life, family disconnection, property destruction, disrupted economic activities, halted education, and increased internally displaced persons in the region. The study also found that residents with higher financial status could relocate to safer areas, while vulnerable individuals often fled or temporarily sought refuge in forests. The prolonged crisis, over seven years now, has severely impacted Bamenda residents, escalating forced displacement rates. Consequently, the study recommends that the government implement targeted urban planning policies to enhance resilience strategies, focusing on affordable social housing, resettlement structures, and improved access to basic services for displaced residents, while fostering peace and stability in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions.

Burden of acute malnutrition in the conflict-affected urban communities of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalnutrition impedes the growth, development, and survival of children. Conflict has severely affected the livelihoods of families and caused an alarming increase in food insecurity, population displacements, and extreme poverty in Tigray. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with acute malnutrition among 6- to 23-month-old children in the armed conflict-affected urban areas of Tigray.MethodsThe study population were randomly selected children aged 6 to 23 months. A cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from July 13 to 28, 2022 in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the participants. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and clinical variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and presented using descriptive and analytical statistics. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of acute malnutrition. All variables were declared statistically significant at a p-value of < 0.05.ResultsA total of 368 participants aged 6–23 months were included in the study. Half (50.5%) and around three-fourths (72.6%) of the participants were females and 12 to 23 months old children, respectively, with a mean (SD) age of 15.2 (5.1) months. The overall proxy global acute malnutrition rate was 44.3%, with 34.5% and 9.8% being moderate acute malnutrition and severe acute malnutrition, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, three variables (consumption of legumes, maternal nutritional status, and household access to clean water) were identified as significant predictors of proxy global acute malnutrition. Children who didn’t eat legumes (AOR (95%CI): 2.39 (1.44, 3.97)), children of acutely malnourished mothers (AOR (95%CI): 1.60 (1.02, 2.51)), and children from households with insufficient water supply (AOR (95%CI): 1.99 (1.20, 3.31)) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of acute malnutrition as compared with their counterparts.ConclusionsChildren from the armed conflict areas of Tigray are disproportionally impacted by acute malnutrition. Nearly half of the children were acutely malnourished, with one in ten suffering from the more serious severe acute malnutrition. Hence, urgent action is needed to prevent their permanent mental and physical deterioration and death by improving consumption of high protein foods, nutritional status of mothers, and access to clean water.

Gilroy's Black Atlantic diaspora: climate displacement and rights‐bearing beyond the nation

AbstractNationalism studies have only recently started to grapple with the Anthropocene as a foundational shift for the discipline. One of the effects of climate change is the forced displacement of large populations, and if access to rights cannot be ensured outside the structures of territorial sovereignty, this migration could easily translate into widespread rightlessness. I argue that this necessitates a rethinking of how communities become rights‐bearing and how such rights‐bearing communities have existed outside the structures of the nation‐state. Specifically, I propose looking to Paul Gilroy's account of the Black Atlantic diaspora as an example of a rights‐bearing community that successfully claimed “the right to have rights” through a concerted effort of vocalising experiences of displacement. Reading Gilroy through rights‐scholarship in political theory I argue that the Black Atlantic can inform work on climate diasporas and their latent political potential as rights‐bearing communities.

Maternal and newborn health prioritization in Yobe State, Nigeria: analysis of stakeholders' perspective.

Maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in conflict-affected northeastern areas of Nigeria, such as Yobe State, are disproportionately higher than those in the rest of the country. There is limited evidence on the factors that influence maternal and newborn health (MNH) policymaking and implementation in this region, particularly with respect to the impact of conflict and context-specific issues. This study explores the political, economic and health system factors that drive the prioritization of MNH policies in Yobe State. The aim of this study was to elucidate the conflict-related factors influencing MNH outcomes, which could inform targeted interventions to improve MNH. The study is a descriptive case study that relies on multiple data sources and is guided by the Health Policy Analysis Triangle. We reviewed national and subnational research, technical reports and policies related to reproductive health and the MNH in Nigeria since 2010. Following stakeholder mapping, we identified and invited prospective participants in the MNH policymaking space. Nineteen stakeholders from the government, civil society and nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies, and public and private sector health providers in Yobe State participated in the semistructured in-depth interviews. Data were collected from November 2022 through January 2023 and were thematically analysed via Dedoose software. MNH services in Yobe State have received considerable attention through initiatives such as the National Midwifery Service Scheme, free MNH services, training of midwives with deployment to rural areas, and health facility renovations. The effective implementation of MNH services and policies faces challenges due to insufficient funding, and sustainability is hampered by changes in governance and political transitions. The Boko Haram insurgency exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yobe State and disrupted MNH services due to the displacement of populations and the decline in the number of health workers. Additionally, sociocultural and religious beliefs hinder timely access to and utilization of MNH services. Although policies and guidelines for MNH services exist in the state, they are inadequately disseminated to health providers, which affects their effective implementation across facilities. Collaboration and intersectoral coordination platforms exist, but competition and rivalries among unions, political entities, and implementing agencies sometimes impede progress. Enhancing MNH services in Yobe state requires increased commitment for funding through the Northeast Development Commission rehabilitation fund; strengthening the health workforce, safety and retention plan; promoting gender inclusivity within the health sector; and addressing sociocultural barriers to women's health-seeking behaviors. Concrete, time-bound plans for policy dissemination are necessary to ensure effective service implementation.

FLOOD THREATS ON LAND USES AND POPULATION IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Flooding is a natural or man-made disaster that leads to voluntary or involuntary resettlement, which further causes population displacement and untold human misery. Lokoja, the capital town of Kogi State, Nigeria is prone to frequent flooding, posing significant threats to human settlements, infrastructure and economic activities. The study assesses the relationship between flood threat, land uses and population affected by flood in Lokoja metropolis. This research focused on flood occurrences of high to medium flood risk zones. Data were collected using both primary and secondary sources. 274 questionnaires were administered as sample sized to respondents across the strata of all the flood affected communities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentage distribution) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s moment correlation) in assessing the relationships between minimum water levels, land uses and population affected by flood. Findings from the analysis show that there is a strong positive correlation between minimum water level and farmland and open space with the greatest correlation coefficient of 0.986. Also, commercial land uses has a slightly stronger correlation (0.899) with minimum water levels.The study therefore conclude that flooding had a significant impact on residential, commercial, and particularly agriculture and open spaces, inflicting widespread property and infrastructure damage.This research serves as a critical tool for policy makers, urban planners and stakeholders to priotize on flood risk management and coordinated physica development in Lokoja metropolis.

Addressing Public Health Risks: Strategies to Combat Infectious Diseases After the August 2024 Floods in Bangladesh.

The August 2024 floods in Bangladesh have precipitated a major public health crisis, significantly elevating the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases and exacerbating existing health vulnerabilities. This disaster has impacted over 5 million people, causing widespread environmental disruption, population displacement, and strained healthcare resources. The flooding of latrines, sewage systems, and agricultural land has led to the contamination of drinking water sources, increasing the risk of cholera, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhoea, shigellosis, and hepatitis. Additionally, stagnant floodwaters have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thereby increasing the threat of malaria and dengue fever. The disruption of healthcare services has further compounded the crisis, delaying emergency responses and impeding access to care. The psychological impact on affected communities is profound, with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder emerging as significant concerns. This perspective provides an analysis of these public health threats, supported by data on the impact of floods and a discussion of the underlying risk factors. This underscores the need for immediate and long-term public health interventions, including restoring clean water access, enhancing disease surveillance, repairing healthcare infrastructure, and addressing mental health needs. The response to this disaster must be rapid and comprehensive, with lessons learned to inform preparedness efforts to better manage similar events in the future.

POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND INSTITUTION BUILDING IN CAMEROON

Cameroon has been embroiled in prolonged conflicts, including the Anglophone Crisis and the Boko Haram insurgency, both of which have deeply impacted the nation's socio-political fabric. The central problem is the breakdown of institutions, displacement of populations, and socio-economic instability, necessitating urgent post-conflict reconstruction. This study aims to explore the key challenges and barriers to reconstruction, assess the roles of national and international actors, and analyze strategies to build institutions for sustainable peace and stability. The research draws on hybrid peace and conflict transformation theories and adopts a qualitative research design, relying on secondary data sources. Through an in-depth analysis of official documents, scholarly articles, and reports from international organizations, this study provides a comparative examination of similar post-conflict settings, such as Rwanda and Sierra Leone. Data were systematically analyzed to identify key themes related to governance, security, and institutional reform. Findings reveal that political instability, lack of decentralization, and limited financial resources significantly hinder effective reconstruction efforts. Governance challenges, including corruption and centralization of power, impede institution-building, while socio- economic issues, such as ethnic and linguistic divisions, further complicate peacebuilding efforts. International actors and NGOs play a vital role but often lack coordination, limiting the effectiveness of their interventions. The study concludes that Cameroon’s post-conflict reconstruction requires comprehensive reforms. Decentralization, inclusive governance, and accountability must be prioritized. International efforts should align with local needs, emphasizing long-term development over short-term aid. Effective security sector reform, alongside strategies for institutional capacity-building, will be essential to fostering peace and preventing future conflict.

Mid to late Holocene Indian monsoon variability, aridification and civilization changes in the Deccan Plateau, India

Climate change has been a key driver throughout human history and has frequently been associated with the rise and fall of civilizations. Holocene settlement changes or population displacements were almost always preceded by changes in climate. A high-resolution sedimentary record from the western Bay of Bengal offers insights to centennial-scale mid- to late-Holocene Indian summer monsoon (ISM) variability and its role in the decline of chalcolithic human settlements on India's Deccan Plateau. Increased erosion in the Indian peninsula during the mid to late Holocene, due to aridification and agricultural expansion, is evidenced by higher sedimentation, more magnetic mineral content, coarser magnetic grain size, and increased sand content. The results from mineral magnetic and textural analyses reveal centennial-scale abrupt weak ISM during the Bond events in the core monsoon zone of India. The Deccan Chalcolithic civilizations flourished between ~4.0–3.0 ka BP owing to the favorable climatic conditions, but most of the settlements were deserted after ~3.0 ka BP. We argue that the abrupt weakening of ISM during Bond event 2 (~3.1–2.8 ka BP) caused this collapse of Deccan Chalcolithic. The results from this study together with the published records of number of settlements and summed radiocarbon dates suggest a climate-culture link in the Deccan Plateau. The weak ISM periods in this study are coherent with the records of total solar irradiance record and the percentage of hematite-stained grains from the North Atlantic and suggest solar control on these abrupt climatic events.

The Unequal Impact of Disasters: Assessing the Interplay Between Social Vulnerability, Public Assistance, Flood Insurance, and Migration in the U.S

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes with intense rainfall and storm surges, are posing increasing challenges to local communities worldwide. These hazards not only result in substantial property damage but also lead to significant population displacement. Federal disaster assistance programs are crucial for providing financial support for disaster response and recovery, but the allocation of these resources often unequal due to the complex interplay of environmental, social, and institutional factors. Relying on datasets collected from diverse sources, this study employs a structural equation model to explore the complex relationships between disaster damage (DD), social vulnerability (SV), public disaster assistance (PDA), the national flood insurance (NFI), and population migration (PM) across counties in the contiguous US. Our findings reveal that communities with lower SV tend to experience higher levels of DD across US counties. SV is negatively associated with PM, PDA, and NFI, both directly and indirectly. Furthermore, PDA is positively linked to PM, whereas DD has a direct negative effect on PM but an indirect positive effect through PDA.

HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS AND REFUGEES' WELFARE

The extraordinary magnitude of population displacement, stemming from conflict, persecution, and natural disasters, has exerted significant strain on international organizations, governments, and civil society. Humanitarian interventions, involving various actions undertaken by these entities, are essential in supplying refugees with vital resources, protective measures, and possibilities to endure and reconstruct their lives. This study thoroughly evaluates the influence of humanitarian interventions on refugee welfare, investigating their roles and impacts, addressing their challenges and triumphs, and offering policy recommendations to enhance refugee welfare through more effective humanitarian initiatives. The research design is qualitative, employing secondary data sources including scholarly publications, policy documents, and reports from international organizations and NGOs. Data and visualizations from Our World in Data were utilized to examine trends and patterns in refugee welfare, encompassing access to fundamental requirements, protection, healthcare, education, livelihoods, and psychosocial assistance. The results underscore the substantial influence of humanitarian efforts on refugee well-being, as demonstrated by the examination of the Syrian and Rohingya refugee crises. The graphical representation depicts the significant spike in asylum applicants resulting from these crises and the extent of dislocation experienced by impacted populations. The study highlights the necessity of ongoing and extensive humanitarian aid to meet the varied requirements of refugees, encompassing shelter, nutrition, healthcare, psychosocial support, and protection. The study indicates that humanitarian interventions are essential for improving refugee welfare; nonetheless, hurdles remain, including resource limitations, coordination difficulties, and the necessity to transition from short-term relief to long-term development. Recommendations encompass enhancing global alliances, ensuring equitable burden-sharing, integrating long-term development goals, refining legislative frameworks, prioritizing vulnerable populations, and investigating novel finance options.

The State Of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) In Nigeria And Implications To National Security: Northwest And North Central In Focus

The ongoing insurgency and banditry in northern Nigeria and the government's harsh attempts to put it down have resulted in a wave of refugees and internally displaced people. Increase in population density and the migration of displaced people into places that are thought to be relatively quiet are prominently causing significant security concerns. With particular reference to the city of Ilorin, this study investigates the role of internally displaced people and community concerns in connection to national security and their repercussions. The study showed that the state's failure to provide security and deal with residents' socioeconomic problems contributed to the instability that drove large population displacement. Losses of life, insecurity, population relocation, intolerance toward other ethnic and religious groups, the operation of the militant groups and most importantly economic disasters are the consequences of these unfavorable tendencies, as this article has discovered. The findings of this study shows that the government's response to the situation of internally displaced people in the nation has been patchy, with no long-term fix in sight. Additionally, the dilemma of internally displaced people severely impedes the region's growth. This paper consequently promotes the establishment of offices for these displaced people's representatives by including the affairs of internally displaced people at the local government level. As an option to dealing with the problem of internally displaced people in the nation, increasing funding for national security among residents would improve security in Ilorin metropolis.

Population displacement after earthquakes: benchmarking predictions based on housing damage

In the aftermath of an earthquake, the number of residents whose housing was destroyed is often used to approximate the number of people displaced (i.e., rendered homeless) after the event. While this metric can provide rapid situational awareness regarding potential long-term housing needs, more recent research highlights the importance of additional factors beyond housing damage within the scope of household displacement and return (e.g., utility disruption, tenure, place attachment). This study benchmarks population displacement estimates using this simplified conventional approach (i.e., only considering housing destruction) through three scenario models for recent earthquakes in Haiti, Japan, and Nepal. These model predictions are compared with officially reported values and alternate mobile location data-based estimates from the literature. The results highlight the promise of scenario models to realistically estimate population displacement and potential long-term housing needs after earthquakes, but also highlight a large range of uncertainty in the predicted values. Furthermore, purely basing displacement estimates on housing damage offers no view on how the displaced population counts vary with time as compared to more comprehensive models that include other factors influencing population return or alternative approaches, such as using mobile location data.

6.X.2. Food Insecurity in Europe: Voices from across Europe

Abstract Food insecurity (FI), “lack of regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life”, is a global public health issue. The United Nations (UN) have identified achieving food security as a key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), where all people should “have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.” However, disasters related to the consequences of changing climates, pandemics, wars, displacement of populations, high inflation rates, changes in social protection systems, and food system changes challenge the achievement of this SDG. FI persists even in high-income countries including Europe. This workshop session will foster a knowledge, research and experience exchange on the situation of individuals / different population groups in the context of FI in different European countries. Starting with a contribution from Austria, the term food poverty is introduced and considered from a food system perspective / from an equity perspective. The second contribution illuminates the relationships between FI, shopping behaviours and social support among food bank users in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. The final third contribution comes from the Netherlands and explores the needs and perceptions regarding healthy eating among people at risk of FI. In all three studies, standardized measurement tools were applied to measure FI but recruiting methods and data collection methods varied considerably between and within the studies. The session enhances the knowledge on FI in Europe from different perspectives. Key messages • Food insecurity does exist in Europe: there is a need for regular, consistent monitoring across European countries. • Food insecurity involves more than just access to food; it also considers nutritious and climate-friendly options, addressing the link between climate, health, and equity.

Maternal health in conflict-affected settings: a case study from a frozen conflict zone

Abstract Background Reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health are negatively impacted in conflict-affected settings, and may be acutely affected in frozen conflicts due to fragile health systems and uncertain geopolitical contexts. To better understand maternal health in a frozen conflict zone, we examined maternal health outcomes in Nagorno-Karabakh during a ceasefire period prior to the forced displacement of the entire population. Methods Multistage cluster sampling was used to sample 1023 households in Nagorno-Karabakh during the summer of 2022. From each household, one woman, age 18 to 49, participated in an interviewer-administered survey. Maternal health outcomes were assessed among all married women who had ever given birth. Women with at least one child under 5 years were also asked about their most recent pregnancy. Results Among all married women, 85.5% had ever given birth, 19.0% ever had a miscarriage, and 2.8% ever had a stillbirth. Of the 299 women with at least one child under 5, 97.7% received antenatal care, of which 90.4% had at least 4 visits. Over half experienced toxicosis (51.8%), 16.4% high blood pressure, 13.0% anemia, and 6.4% hemorrhage during their most recent pregnancy. The most common delivery complications were uterine scarring (19.7%), breached birth (7.0%), prolonged labor (6.4%) and hemorrhage (5.7%). Age was found to be a significant factor, with the odds of toxicosis (p = 0.039) and breached birth (p = 0.009) decreasing, yet the odds of miscarriage (p = 0.001) and hypertension (p = 0.007) increasing with age. Conclusions Almost all women reported adequate antenatal care with birth outcomes comparable to global statistics, demonstrating the ability of Nagorno-Karabakh to provide sufficient maternal healthcare while in a frozen conflict. Fortifying and ensuring access to maternal and reproductive healthcare, particularly antenatal care, is vital for ensuring the health and wellbeing of women and children in conflict-affected settings. Key messages • Women in Nagorno-Karabakh received antenatal care and experienced birth outcomes similar to global rates, demonstrating the value of access to reproductive healthcare in conflict-affected settings. • Future studies should examine the impact of forced displacement on the women of Nagorno-Karabakh to better understand the effect of conflict on reproductive and maternal health.

10.H. Round table: Transforming health systems in Europe to respond to the large-scale displacement from war in Ukraine

Abstract The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 caused one of the largest population displacements in Europe since World War II. More than 6 million persons have sought international protection in other European countries, distributed in ways that take little account of the host countries’ population size, national income, or health system capacity. This workshop provides a platform to present and discuss findings of a health system impact assessment designed to anticipate the range of mid- to long-term impacts of this large-scale displacement on essential health system functions in refugee-receiving countries, identifying the challenges they face and opportunities to develop transformative policies and actions. This task is urgent given the risks of wider conflict in Europe. Objectives The workshop will 1) present the main findings from the health system impact assessment in seven refugee-receiving countries, 2) set out options for effective responses, considering policy and implementation perspectives, and 3) capitalise on the expertise of workshop participants to develop and refine policy options for structural reforms that not only help to sustain an effective response, but enhance the resilience of European health systems for the benefit of displaced populations and national residents alike. Format The workshop will comprise a panel with three speakers, followed by a roundtable discussion. Each panel member will make a short presentation (5 min) on different, but interrelated aspects of a transformative health system response to a protracted crisis scenario. These will highlight country and regional-level challenges arising during the Ukraine crisis, propose concrete policy options for transformation, and identify intersections between the health system response with other societal sectors and crises. The workshop objectives and rationales will be introduced by Kayvan Bozorgmehr, including a short pitch-presentation (3 min) highlighting the unequal distribution of displaced persons from Ukraine and the key-findings of the health system impact assessment. The panel will include follow-up presentations elaborating specific aspects in this context: 1. Healthcare models and needs for transformative response in a protracted crisis (Dr. Nino Berdzuli, WHO Special Envoy for Ukraine Emergency Response in refugee-receiving countries); 2. Supra-national health financing as transformative reform: pros and cons (Eilin Rast, Bielefeld University, Germany); 3. Regional Geopolitical Conflicts and Population Health in Caucasus, CIS and Ukraine (Prof. Akaki Zoidze, Ilia State University, Georgia). The subsequent roundtable discussion will be chaired by Martin McKee. It will focus on the proposed actions and considerations from a policy and implementation perspective, and workshop participants will be invited to contribute to a critical reflection regarding barriers and enablers, as well as required alliances and processes to translate the structural reforms into practice. Key messages • The ongoing conflict-related displacements from Ukraine have created a protracted crisis that will require structural transformations to enhance health system resilience. • Enhancing healthcare delivery, continuity of care, and effective health financing requires national and supra-national collaboration to sustain effective responses and prepare for future crises. Speakers/Panelists Nino Berdzuli Division of Country Health Programmes, WHO/Europe, Denmark Eilin Rast Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany Akaki Zoidze Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia

Belonging in the Borderlands: Narrative, Place-making and Dwelling in Jean d’Arras’s Mélusine

ABSTRACT This article considers the complexities of belonging in Jean d’Arras’s romance of Mélusine, or L’Histoire de Lusignan (1393). Drawing on Laura Bieger’s theory of narrative and belonging, Martin Heidegger’s notion of dwelling, and Gloria Anzaldúa’s border theory, this article analyses the tensions between ownership and belonging as they arise in the early episodes of the text. The links between emplacement, dwelling and belonging, and how these have a productive relationship with narrative are explored. Teasing out these connections further illuminates the political imperative that underpins Jean d’Arras’s production of the text, but also resonates strongly with important issues in our own era of mass migrations and population displacements. This article, therefore, seeks to create deeper understandings of the ways in which belonging can be inscribed or erased.

Environmental and Humanitarian Law Violations in Bangladesh's Coastal Areas: A Survey Analysis

This study investigates the intersection of environmental and humanitarian law violations in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, focusing on the implications of climate change-induced disasters on vulnerable communities. A quantitative survey was conducted, with 150 respondents representing coastal regions, to gather data on the prevalence of environmental degradation, climate-induced displacement, and human rights violations. Findings reveal a significant correlation between environmental hazards, such as cyclones and sea-level rise, and the displacement of coastal populations, exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities and human rights abuses. The study employs a quantitative methods design, analyzing survey data of legal frameworks, policy documents, and scholarly literature. The data was analyzed through Smart PLS 4 for Structural Equational Model (SEM). The purpose of this research is to elucidate the complexities surrounding legal enforcement, policy implementation, and grassroots initiatives aimed at addressing environmental and humanitarian challenges in coastal areas. By providing empirical evidence and insights into the lived experiences of affected communities, this study aims to inform evidence-based policy interventions, legal reforms, and humanitarian strategies to enhance resilience and protect the rights of coastal populations facing the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

Illicit Resilience: Revisiting Political Ecologies of Conservation Noncompliance in the Context of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Over the past several decades, the spatial extent of national parks, forest reserves, and other protected areas has expanded rapidly, encompassing more than 16 percent of the Earth’s terrestrial and inland water area in 2024. This expansion of protected areas has often led to population displacements and heightened restrictions on access to land and natural resources for indigenous peoples and other local communities, at times precipitating various conflicts, contestations, and broader forms of noncompliance with conservation regulations. Despite ongoing challenges in resolving trade-offs between conservation and livelihood objectives, the recently established Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) seeks to achieve even more ambitious conservation targets. These include GBF Target 3—sometimes referred to as the “30 × 30” target—of encompassing 30 percent of all terrestrial and marine ecosystems in protected areas or other effective area-based conservation measures by 2030. The GBF’s vision for achieving Target 3 implicitly assumes, however, that widespread challenges related to noncompliance in conservation governance can largely be resolved in their present manifestation(s), and prevented from reemerging as the scale of the global conservation estate increases. Seeking to deepen our understanding of the emergence and recurrence of illicit or otherwise non-rule-complying behaviors in everyday practices of conservation governance, we draw on a case study of the Manas Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in the India-Bhutan borderlands region, northeastern India. Highlighting key findings from this case study, we foreground the concept of illicit resilience to encompass a suite of informal factors and dynamics that lead to the persistence of de facto land uses and management regimes in ways that often strikingly diverge from de jure prescriptions for resource conservation within protected areas. These dynamics include (1) long-term insurgency and political unrest; (2) collusive corruption, patronage, and local politics; and (3) elite-driven processes of informal resettlement and subsequent occupation of forestland. In short, we argue that a deeper understanding of such forms of illicit resilience and their underlying drivers will be crucial for more accurately conceptualizing both feasibility constraints on, and socioenvironmental justice implications of, efforts to rapidly upscale the spatial remit of conservation areas by 2030 and beyond.

Exploring the influence of a massive open online course (MOOC) for preparing rehabilitation professionals to meet the needs of forcibly displaced persons

BackgroundTo assist in the global training of rehabilitation professionals to address the unique needs of forcibly displaced persons, a free massive open online course (MOOC) was developed. This study aimed to explore self-perceived knowledge following completion of courses within the MOOC, ability to implement changes in practice, and participant engagement with the MOOC content.MethodsThe Kirkpatrick Model was used to assess the effectiveness of the course with a focus on reaction, learning, and behavior. Participant interaction with the course content was explored using thematic analysis of the MOOC’s discussion forum content. Participants in the MOOC were asked to complete pre and post-surveys of self-perceived knowledge regarding the rehabilitation of displaced persons. Mean within-subject pre and post-MOOC data were compared using the Mann U Whitney test. Knowledge implementation after six months was assessed with a follow-up survey.ResultsSelf-reported knowledge following completion of the MOOC improved significantly on individual survey questions (p≤.004) as well as composite score (p < .001). Six months following completion of the course, participants noted the ability to implement multiple strategies into practice. Three themes emerged from the discussion forum postings: (1) Understanding the persons lived experience to provide effective, holistic, patient-centered care, (2) Communication to develop a sense of connection and facilitate the provision of quality care, and (3) The importance of culturally responsive practice.ConclusionThe MOOC effectively delivered the fundamental knowledge to address the complex needs of displaced individuals among a diverse group of practicing rehabilitation professionals and can play a role in preparing the rehabilitation workforce for increased population displacement, alongside specialist programs in related themes.