Refugee Situations Research Articles

Who Feels Safe? Uncertain Futures and Enduring Aspirations in Italy

ABSTRACT In an attempt of going beyond a simple opposition between those conceived as agents and those seen as subjects of disciplinary power, this article engages with a reflection on differential states of precariousness and (un)safety, which involve both ‘forced migrants’ and ‘citizens’. Drawing on ethnographic research in Milan (Italy), I outline some recent institutional changes in the Italian asylum system, which led to the political abandonment of refugees in situations of increasing marginalisation, but also to the layoff of several frontline asylum workers, who were often young people hit by the consequences of economic recession. Through the words and biographical trajectories of three young women (two asylum workers and one refugee), I trace the emergence of contested temporal and work experiences, marked by widespread feelings of uncertainty and devaluation. I approach empirically the idea of (un)safety as a material and bodily condition and as an emotional state, directly linked to the perceived possibility of being able to orient oneself towards the future. By zooming in on differential experiences of (un)safety and precariousness – but also on enduring aspirations – I aim at documenting the material and affective entanglements of acts of government, as well as their inherent potential for empowerment and transformation.

The visual representation of Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in the Spanish press

The public’s understanding of the situation of refugees largely depends on how they are represented by the media. This article analyses this representation by studying photographs that appear in four mainstream Spanish newspapers of varied political orientation, comparing two paradigmatic examples: that of Afghan refugees versus Ukrainian refugees. The objective of this analysis is to determine the differences and similarities between how each case is covered, using a mixed quantitative and qualitative content analysis method to determine the images’ denotative and connotative aspects, based on ‘framing theory’. Findings show that, although all the refugees are presented primarily from a human-interest angle, there is a significant degree of depersonalization in their photographic presentation due to the framing and stylistic elements employed. Also, Afghans are viewed with greater suspicion than Ukrainians, with a quarter of their images being associated with the idea of conflict.

Caught in crises: Syrian refugees in Türkiye’s labor market

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the factors driving Syrian refugees into the informal labor market in Türkiye despite the existence of regulations and programs to facilitate their integration into the formal labor market.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents results from a literature review of secondary sources and primary data collection through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and Syrian refugees.FindingsThe study shows that the implementation of policies and programs to boost formal employment among refugees has yielded limited results. Many refugees continue to operate within the informal economy. This informality is due to various socio-economic challenges, including anti-refugee sentiments, geographical restrictions and economic crises. The 2023 twin earthquakes have further exacerbated the vulnerable situation of refugees, intensifying the difficulty of achieving self-reliance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s drawbacks include a small sample size. This implies that the sample is not representative; therefore, results may lack generalizability.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings could stimulate greater engagement in public policy, facilitate the management of public perceptions regarding refugees and provide support to the private sector, all to enhance the integration of Syrian refugees into the formal labor market.Originality/valueThis study addresses crucial areas previously unexplored, including the impact of economic and natural disaster crises on the labor market integration of refugees. To the best of the author’s knowledge, by investigating these factors for the first time, this study offers novel insights into their influence on refugees’ labor market integration.

OVERGROWING REFUGEE PROBLEM IN LEBANON

The growing issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon weaves tightly with Lebanon's past. It's a country with a complex history surrounding refugees, especially Palestinian refugees, and a long past with Syria. This rising refugee concern started after the Syrian Civil War. It's also tied to political, social, and economic elements that shaped Lebanon's reaction to this human crisis. Lebanon serving as a sanctuary for refugees isn't a new thing. It started before the Syrian refugee wave that came after the 2011 Civil War. The long-standing Palestinian refugee community, who've lived in Lebanon's camps for about seven decades, remarkably impacted Lebanon's view on welcoming refugees. Lebanese-Palestinian history carries weight due to the Arab-Israeli conflicts and PLO's role in the Lebanese Civil War. This past creates a hesitant, suspicious attitude in Lebanon towards refugees. It impacts how they handle the crisis of Syrian refugees. Also, the lasting stay of Syrian soldiers in Lebanon following its Civil War added tension. This, combined with Syria's large political sway, has intensified the rift between the countries. The long-term effects of this situation have stirred negativity towards Syrians and refugees in Le Banon. It's impacted both societal views and politics. It's also determined how Lebanon's government handles the necessities of Syrian refugees. Lebanon has a special governance system. It gives roles to people based on their religion. It has really influenced how they treat the refugee situation. Why? Because they're scared. They're scared about their population changing. Scared about tension between religious groups. That worry makes them hesitant in giving legal status to the refugees. They're worried that this might make the refugees want to stay longer. The past vents highlight the complex reasons for Lebanon's approach to the increasing refugee situation. The Syrian Civil War started, and Lebanon became home to roughly 1.5 million Syrian refugees. That's a ton for a place with around only 6.8 million people. Lebanon faces a massive dilemma now. It tests their shaky economy and society greatly. Lebanon's challenge is dealing with a large number of refugees. Their old residency rules make it tough. Many Syrians don't have official status. They can't work, go to school, or get healthcare. They might be taken advantage of and can't do much legally about it. Additionally, tough management hurdles, like the twice-yearly complex registration for refugees over 15, carry on their unstable situation. Various refugees, scared off by the difficult renewal steps, choose not to renew their legal status. This worsens their risk and blocks their way to vital services. The refugee crisis has had a profound and far-reaching impact on the fundamental rights and well-being of those affected, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and basic living conditions. These dire circumstances permeate all aspects of their lives, potentially perpetuating long-term vulnerabilities and significantly affecting their daily existence. In this context, international aid has played a crucial role in addressing the immense humanitarian needs created by Lebanon's refugee crisis. However, the necessary funds to adequately support these individuals have fallen short, resulting in approximately 54% of the required 2014 funding remaining unmet. This financial strain has only added to the already daunting challenges of providing essential support and services to the refugees.

Russia Abroad vs Russian Diaspora in the Interwar Period

This article considers a relevant issue of modern historiography, i. e. the expediency of introducing the concept of “Russia Abroad” in the study of Russian emigration of the 1920s–1930s, along with the definition of “diaspora”. The task is complicated by the lack of a unified categorical apparatus and a variety of interpretations. The problem is solved based on structural and constructivist approaches, as well as comparative analysis. The authors propose their own classification of identifying features of the diaspora, highlighting the geographical (territorial), social, political, cultural, and mental blocks. The phenomenon of Russia Abroad is analysed through the prism of diasporisation. The article shows the process of institutionalisation of the Russian emigration of the 1920s, which brings it closer to the diaspora. However, its composition, unlike that of diaspora, was polyethnic. The dominant trend was the preservation of not ethnic but cultural and civic identity, which determined the structure-forming leitmotif of activity aimed at constructing its “Russia Abroad”. However, having renounced the citizenship of Soviet Russia/USSR and recognising the Soviet government as illegitimate, the emigrants unsuccessfully tried to consolidate a legal connection with the state that had disappeared from the political map of the world, trying to defend the old passports. The vectors of reflexive activity with a myth-generating potential were an ostentatious opposition to all things Soviet, the preservation of national identity and traditional values (unlike those born in the revolution), the “ethical code”, social norms, and the justification of the missionary role of emigration. Of the many institutions that claimed to have become a successor authority, the Council of Former Ambassadors headed by M. N. Girs stands out. He concentrated human, financial, material, and organisational potential in his hands and had representation at international organisations, including the League of Nations, in Geneva. The foreign diplomatic corps became the guardian of the idea of all-Russian statehood. Well-established communication links helped him to carry out tasks that were not typical of him, adapted to the new situation and focusing primarily on the settlement of the legal situation of refugees. The article concludes about the consolidating function of both mythmaking and activities aimed at reproducing the attributes of statehood. The Russian “state-like form of being” contributed to the preservation of the Russian language, national identity, and the creation of a system of Russian educational institutions and institutes of historical memory. The doom of Russia Abroad was due to both its conservatism and confrontation with the motherland. The division into two Russias could not carry a positive potential. Foreign Russia can be characterised as a diaspora, but this phenomenon goes beyond even the wide range of identification features that are given to the diaspora today.

Promoting Effective Refugee Protection in India: Balancing National Interests and International Obligations

This paper explores the situation of refugees in India, particularly Sri Lankan and Rohingya refugees who are seeking asylum in India and face the issue of statelessness due to the lack of a concrete refugee law in India. The Foreigners Act 1946 of India defines foreigners as individuals who are not Indian citizens and requires non-citizens to possess government-issued documentation. Failure to possess such documents exposes individuals to penalties outlined in section 14 of the Act, including potential imprisonment and fines. The Act also grants the government the authority to detain and deport foreign nationals residing unlawfully in India. Furthermore, the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (“CAA”) addresses the plight of religious minorities, excluding Sri Lankan, Rohingya and other refugees, as it only applies to refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The CAA allows eligible Hindu refugees who entered India before December 31, 2014, to obtain Indian citizenship. The absence of a concrete refugee law in India, coupled with concerns over the potential impact of the CAA on India’s secular constitutional fabric, has raised international apprehension. It is important to note that India is not a party to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1951, and its 1967 protocol, limiting its refugee protection obligations. By analysing relevant legal sources, judicial decisions and international standards, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal complexities surrounding refugee protection in India and the implications of the CAA within the context of India's international obligations. Keywords: Refugee; International Law; India; Secularism; Domestic Law.

Exploring Higher Education Demand and Opportunities for Young Refugees in Africa

Higher education for young people, including marginalised groups, is essential for equitable and sustainable development. There is limited research on refugees’ access to higher education, especially in developing countries. This article contributes to the literature on refugee education by raising awareness of the demand for education and issues surrounding refugees’ access to higher education in West and Central Africa (WCA). We consider changes in the population of young refugees as a proxy for shifts in their demand for education and map available opportunities and challenges. Our analysis of refugee youth demographic data indicates increasing trends in most WCA countries, signalling rapidly growing demand for (higher) education by refugees in their countries of asylum. Mapping these countries’ provision of refugee education opportunities and dedicated scholarship programmes for refugees, as well as interviews with refugee students promotes understanding of the conditions and challenges they confront in the transition to higher education in their host countries. The article highlights the urgency of the refugee situation in Africa and calls for immediate and practical action to facilitate and support refugees’ access to tertiary education.

The Catholic Church and Refugees in Slovenia

In Slovenia, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is the largest, most influential, richest, and most politically significant among all religious organisations. In estimating its contribution related to migration and the refugee situation it is necessary to consider the wider context of Slovenian society, primarily four characteristics: (1) despite the principle of separation of state and religious spheres, it is in relation to the Roman Catholic Church that the bulk of unresolved issues and occasional exacerbations occur; (2) while Slovenian public opinion is rather volatile in its expression of social distance to foreigners, it does not represent the main problem; (3) Slovenia’s state politics are very closed to refugees; and (4) political parties from the right wing of the political spectrum are rather xenophobic. While the Catholic Caritas plays a positive role in the care of refugees, the RCC has always supported the right-wing political parties when they come to power, and it is also susceptible to Islamophobia.

What If I Were the Exile? Linking Past and Present for Democratic History Teaching with Pre-Service Educators

The academic literature has fostered a debate in recent decades regarding the concept of historical empathy and the typology of activities that can help to treat and develop it, although there is no consensus as to the real effectiveness of narrative activities of a descriptive type that involve the projection of the person into the past. The aim of this research was to check whether the implementation of a programme that uses historical contextualisation, contact with primary testimonies, the use of sources and historical empathy, linking the situation of the exiles of the Spanish Civil War with the current refugees, can contribute to the development of tolerant attitudes towards the figure of the displaced in pre-service teachers and the degree to which these attitudes are modified after the application of the programme. The research design is quantitative and corresponds to a quasi-experimental design with a control and experimental group. A questionnaire was used to measure the attitudes of 101 pre-service teachers at a Spanish university towards refugees. The questionnaire was completed at two different times, before and after a historical empathy exercise on the exiles of the Spanish Civil War. The results indicate that programmes using historical contextualisation, testimonies close to refugees and historical empathy relating the situation of refugees to that of the exiles of the Spanish Civil War can contribute to increasing and/or reinforcing positive attitudes towards refugees in pre-service teachers.

ХХ ҒАСЫРДЫҢ 20-ЖЫЛДАРЫНДАҒЫ ЖЕТІСУДАҒЫ БОСҚЫНДАР ЖӨНІНДЕГІ КЕҢЕСТІК ЕРЕКШЕ КОМИССИЯ ҚЫЗМЕТІ

The fate of the refugees of the first quarter of the 20th century, who participated in the uprisings in Zhetysu and were forced to flee their homeland, is a little-studied topic in the history of political cataclysms in Kazakhstan. The purpose of the proposed article is to reconstruct the activities of the special commission of the Central executive Committee of the Turkestan Republic, whose purpose was the return and accommodation of refugees from the Zhetysui region who left the cordon after the uprising of 1916 and the first years of the establishment of Soviet power in Russia, primarily to Western China. The evolution of the Soviet position in connection with the return of refugees from the policy of retaliation by the authorities of Tsarist Russia for the national liberation uprising in the region and the continued persecution of the indigenous population in the early years of the establishment of Soviet power depended entirely on the internal socio-political and geopolitical situation. In the course of the study, a descriptive method was used that contributes to the formation of a real-life image. The descriptive method allows us to delve into the historical reasons for the formation and periodization of refugee as a phenomenon. As a result of the scientific research, the conditions for the creation, aspects and structure of the activities of the Soviet special commission for the return of refugees were systematized for the first time. The situation of refugees in the host country was examined on the basis of evidence. The socio-economic and political reasons for the measures for the return and placement of refugees, its progress and results are analyzed using important sources from the funds of foreign and domestic republican archives, as well as special funds of regional archives directly related to the object of research. For the first time in Russian historical science, the scientific study analyzes the degree of interaction, the reasons for the contradiction of the position of Soviet civil, military and diplomatic structures on solving the refugee problem in the 20s of the XX century. The results of the research can be used in special courses, textbooks, educational publications on the humanitarian field of higher educational institutions on the problems of social history and migration of the first quarter of the 20th century.

Screening female refugees in Sudan’s challenging Settings: A simple, feasible, and affordable telemedicine framework

Background and Aims: Cancers often go unnoticed during emergencies; exacerbating underdiagnoses and late presentations. Telemedicine-driven screening systems emerge as effective and economical alternatives, particularly crucial amidst Sudan’s current refugee situation. Methods: Using the 3-step process: First, cancer burden was assessed using Refugees Commission data and presented as per 100,000 period prevalence. Second, case definitions for malignancies under study were then created as a screening base. Third, the telemedicine framework was built following user-centered design’s (UCD) 4 steps (analysis of stakeholders’ needs; design using the MAIA model; implementation according to BPMN flowchart; and users’ feedback evaluation). Results: The most common tumor was breast followed by ovarian cancer (median=16.45 and 3.19 per 100,000). UCD’s four steps shaped our framework, with MAIA aiding the management plan’s design for suspected cases. BPMN guaranteed seamless implementation, and our model scored 6.83 out of 7 on a Martinez-Alcalá inspired Likert system upon evaluation. Conclusions: Designing a telemedicine-based screening system for refugees necessitates incorporating epidemiological mapping, clinical presentations, contextual and cultural dimensions, and ensuring overall feasibility.

UKRAINIAN-POLISH RELATIONS DURING THE WAR: FINANCIAL ASPECT

This article delves into the complex international relations between Ukraine and Poland amidst the backdrop of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Focused on military, financial, and humanitarian aspects, the study examines the extent of support provided by various nations, emphasizing the role of Poland as an early and significant contributor. Utilizing extensive data, the article reveals the magnitude of financial aid, with the United States and Germany leading the contributions. Additionally, it explores non-refundable aid, highlighting the diverse sources and amounts. The authors scrutinize military, financial, and humanitarian commitments, shedding light on the substantial assistance directed towards priority state budget expenditures. Despite challenges, Poland's multifaceted support, including the provision of residential modules and social benefits for displaced Ukrainians, underscores the depth of collaboration. However, the article acknowledges hurdles in fostering transparent diplomatic relations, citing the influence of political elites and speculative discourse surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The study concludes with a snapshot of the refugee situation, emphasizing Poland's significant role in providing legal recognition and social assistance to over 1,7 million Ukrainian citizens. Overall, the analysis paints a nuanced picture of the evolving dynamics between Ukraine and Poland during this critical period. Keywords: military situation, Ukrainian-Polish relations, financial support, cooperation

Inclusive education of refugee students with disabilities in higher education: a comparative case study

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) calls for the establishment of an inclusive education system for all students. As conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters continue to displace millions globally, the duration of refugee situations has become increasingly extended. The complexities of exile have further entangled the human rights issue, making it essential for affected individuals to seek sanctuary in other countries. These crises not only uproot families but also disrupt livelihoods and educational systems. Consequently, the onus has been on international laws and policies to promote and protect inclusive education as a human right for students with disabilities. In this study, using mixed methods, we first conducted interviews with two Syrian students with disabilities at Yarmouk University in Jordan and Qatar University in Qatar. Thematic analysis of these interviews yielded three primary themes: equity in educational opportunities, services provided, and challenges facing inclusive education. Following the interviews, we conducted a document analysis to evaluate the educational policies at both institutions. We used the 4-A framework for this evaluation, emphasizing that educational systems should be Available, Accessible, Acceptable, and Adaptable. The analysis indicated significant disparities in how closely each institution adheres to the principles of the 4-A framework. The findings indicate that inconsistencies in policy implementation, unequal access to financial aid, and difficulties in career planning are influenced by cultural, social, political, and economic factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic and refugees. A scoping review

Abstract Refugees increasingly become part of the European societies. Afghans, Syrians, Ukrainians fled their countries due to war, conflicts, persecution, and settled, temporary or not, in more stable countries. During pandemics, with openness towards foreigners shrinking, and borders closing, the situation of refugees might become uncertain. Our scoping review explores what academics considered relevant about refugees to Europe in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal increasing resentment against immigrants, a need for redesigning European migration policies, preparing welfare systems, asylum protection mechanisms, and societies as a whole, in order to prevent disruptions in the eventuality of large-scale crises. Such implications are to also be considered for the consequences of the current Russian aggression on Ukraine.

The African Union’s Response to Forced Migration: Reinforcing the Nexus between Peace and Security and Refugee/IDP Protection

Summary Africa is home to millions of displaced persons–IDPs and refugees–a trend that has its genesis in the pre-independence armed struggles and is currently perpetuated by internal conflicts that plague most parts of the continent. Although the challenge has been a permanent phenomenon since the days of the Organisation of African Unity, the continental organization, now the African Union, has failed to craft a response strategy that addresses both forced displacement and the conundrum of protracted refugee situations. This article argues for a policy reformulation that situates the problem of displacement within the core of Africa’s peace and security framework (the APSA). It posits that this approach addresses both causes of forced displacement and the welfare of the displaced. At a policy level, the approach permeates good governance, peace, security and economic strategies of the Union.

Integration and Language. Teaching Polish to Refugees from Ukraine— a Motivating Perspective

Abstract Teaching Polish as a foreign language to refugees from Ukraine is an experience at the intersection of intercultural education and glottodidactics. The specificity of the social situation—refugeeism—generates special needs of learners and special learning strategies. The need for integration behind language learning is primarily the ability to communicate in a new language as soon as possible. The record of the experience of working with refugees shows that building on cultural difference and the strategy of developing a “rich point” provides opportunities for motivating work on language learning in a difficult refugee situation.

Analysis of the Dilemmas in Managing Ukrainian Refugees under the Context of Globalization Taking Western Countries and the UN Refugee Agency as Examples

In 2022, Russias special military operation against Ukraine led to the most severe refugee crisis in Europe since the end of World War II, and its also one of the largest refugee crises of the 21st century. This article will briefly outline the causes of the Ukrainian refugee crisis and current international solutions. It will then examine the challenges faced by two governing bodies-Western countries and the UN Refugee Agency-in managing the Ukrainian refugee situation. First, the challenges for Western countries include significant economic and social pressure imposed by the influx of refugees. While the arrival of refugees may help alleviate aging populations, it could also encourage human trafficking activities. Moreover, the economic and social stress from the refugee crisis could deepen divisions among EU member states and impact domestic political stability. Additionally, the influx of Ukrainian refugees can disrupt local job markets, potentially leading to lower wages or even unemployment for local residents. Second, the UN Refugee Agency faces dilemmas between time-sensitive governance and ethical principles, as well as issues of homogenization in competition with related organizations.

Youth development and spatial configurations: socio-spatial inequalities in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.

This article explores the intersectional fields of displacement and architecture by examining the interrelationship between youth development and spatial configurations in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, more specifically in Ein El Hilweh Camp, South of the country. It aims at understanding how spatial configurations can alter human behavior, and the ways in which societal reform can take place in an urban context. Through taking Ein El Hilweh Camp as a case study and field interviews with experts working and residing in the Ein El-Hilweh Camp, this article asserts that youth development in Palestinian Camps in Lebanon is hindered by the dire conditions of spatial configurations in the camps and their geopolitics. It also asserts that in the presence of fostered youth protection and capacity and skills building, youth engagement and participation in the modification of their spaces act as essential drivers of change which contribute to the reduction of urban poverty and to the development of urban strategies that can sustain their development and provide an incubating environment for them to grow during the stages of their youth and beyond. Moreover, this article suggests that the primary factor contributing to the hindered situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is the condition of permanent temporariness imposed by the state. The reduction of socio-spatial inequalities is temporary unless the integration of Palestinian refugees is fostered and their accessibility to social, economic, and civil rights, as well as the right to the city is granted.

The foundation of the digitalization of the legal system in relation to the social inclusion of refugees

This information aims to bring knowledge to everyone about an important aspect, such as the inclusion of refugees in relation to the modern digital segment in the legal world. Different new pillars of research and examination are used here, in order to understand the truthful information. This communication presents several aspects related to the issue of refugees in the process of social inclusion, starting from the complete study of European and international policies, in relation to the main aspects human vitals assimilating the legal digital segment. Likewise, a reality is rendered on all these practical segments, with the aim of ameliorating and drawing attention to the danger in which refugees are in ignorance of local digital processes. After inspecting a series of documents, scientific acts in the field of refugees, we find the importance of ensuring the education of refugees. The authors of several writings refer to a multitude of thoughts, in order to highlight the applicable situations of refugees in the world, especially in relation to the aspect digital legal. At the end of this document, the results of the research on the practical elements related to the legal digital protection of refugees are presented. It concludes with important conclusions and recommendations.

Context Matters: The Implications of the Mode of Service Provision for Structural and Relational Integration of Refugees in Ghana and Ethiopia

Abstract The ever-increasing protracted refugee situations globally have put local integration of refugees into hosting societies high on the international agenda. While recent international frameworks have called for a deeper integration of refugees through the mainstreaming of refugee service provision into national service provision systems, little attention has been paid to the structures and arrangements—the so-called opportunity structures—specifically to how these can either promote or impede integration into host countries. We focus on the mode of social service provision to refugees and how this shapes the context of refugee integration in Ghana and Ethiopia taking into account the implications for structural and relational integration of refugees. We hold the view that mainstreaming service provision to refugees in camps into national systems does not necessarily lead to better refugee integration outcomes. Differences in the quality-of-service provision between humanitarian actors and hosting countries have the potential to determine integration outcomes.