Refugee Studies Centre Policy Briefings
The RSC Forced Migration Policy Briefings highlight the very best and latest policy-relevant research findings from the fields of forced migration and humanitarian studies. The RSC invites the submission of policy briefings on all topics of relevance to policy and practice in the fields of forced migration, refugee protection and humanitarian intervention. For submitting a policy brief, see the guidelines.
Direct your feedback and comments to the Series editor, Héloïse Ruaudel at rscpolicy@qeh.ox.ac.uk.
| Policy Overview | Author(s) | Date |
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Permanent crises? Unlocking the protracted displacement of refugees and internally displaced persons This policy overview considers how international actors should frame protracted displacements and the search for ‘solutions’ to such crises. It draws on the findings of three case studies (Central America during the 1980s and 1990s and contemporary displacements in Somalia and Iraq) as well as wider research on protracted refugee situations and the politics of refugee ‘solutions’. The paper suggests a number of innovative strategies which might better match international policy to the needs of those trapped in protracted displacement. Based on the evidence assessed, the paper concludes that ensuring the quality of asylum, opening up migration routes and adopting a more flexible approach to residency and citizenship rights are all key to unlocking protracted displacements. |
Dr Katy Long | October 2011 |
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Current Policy Trends and Future Directions The effective engagement of the Refugee Studies Centre in policy and practice is informed by an analysis of the current trends in policy making on forced migration. This document maps out contemporary issues and highlights themes and topics requiring further attention from researchers, policy makers and practitioners. The RSC welcomes your feedback on the relevance and usefulness of this document. |
Dr Katy Long | April 2010 |
| Policy Briefing | Author(s) | Date |
|---|---|---|
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7. Protracted Sahrawi displacement: Challenges and opportunities beyond encampment This brief analyses the challenges and opportunities -- after 35 years of protracted displacement and encampment -- for the Sahrawi refugees, their political representatives and international actors. The paper challenges assumptions and representations of conditions and dynamics in the camps. Dr Fiddian-Qasmiyeh also calls for a careful analysis of the diverse alternative solutions to encampment in Algeria that have been adopted or proposed and of the relevant protection concerns which may arise. Protracted Sahrawi displacement is also available in Spanish and Arabic. |
Dr Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh | May 2011 |
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6. Responding to protracted refugee situations: Lessons from a decade of discussion This policy brief analyses the impact of protracted displacement on the human rights and access to livelihoods of millions of people and examines how protracted displacement situations accentuate the risk of chronic regional insecurity, fragility and conflict spillover. Through tracing the history of international responses to protracted refugee situations (PRS), the brief examines the complexity of the negotiation processes that led to the adoption of the 2009 UNHCR Executive Committee Conclusion on PRS, while suggesting steps that will be required from a broad range of actors if there is to be an adequate response to PRS in the future. |
Dr James Milner and Professor Gil Loescher | January 2011 |
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5. Protecting Palestinian children from political violence: The role of the international community Drawing on extensive field and desk research, this study considers the role of international and UN organisations in protecting Palestinian children. Four distinguishing features of a rights-based approach to child protection are identified: the prioritisation of child protection over national self-interest, a focus on causes and not merely effects, the need for political engagement around international legal standards, and the mobilisation of public opinion. "Protecting Palestinian Children from Political Violence" is also available in Arabic. |
Dr Jason Hart and Claudia Lo Forte | September 2010 |
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4. Iraq’s refugees – beyond tolerance This policy brief considers the situation of displaced populations within Iraq's national borders and of communities of Iraqis living under difficult circumstances in a number of Middle Eastern states. The paper suggests that despite military and policy discourses of renewed stability in Iraq, the crisis is far from over and that mass return is unlikely as long as security remains a key concern. "Iraq's refugees- beyond tolerance" is also available in Arabic. |
Dr Philip Marfleet and Dr Dawn Chatty | December 2009 |
| This policy brief examines “Statelessness, protection and equality” and provides a typology of stateless people and contexts, reviews relevant international law and jurisprudence, and assess the links between nationality and the protection of human rights. It gives recommendations for reducing and eliminating statelessness in the future. | Professor Brad K. Blitz | September 2009 |
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2. Development assistance and refugees: Towards a North-South grand bargain? This policy briefing addresses “Development assistance and refugees - Towards a North-South grand bargain?”, and is written by RSC Research Associate Dr Alexander Betts (Director of the Global Migration Governance Project, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford).This policy brief examines the role that development assistance can play in enhancing refugee protection and overcoming protracted refugee situations. It argues that an integrated development approach, supporting both refugees and local host communities, can be a 'win-win' solution for both Northern donors and Southern hosts, while simultaneously benefiting refugees. |
Dr Alexander Betts | June 2009 |
| In November 2008, the first Forced Migration Policy Briefing, by RSC Director Professor Roger Zetter, in collaboration with Dr Camillo Boano and Dr Tim Morris was launched. It addresses the question of “Environmentally displaced people: Understanding the linkages between environmental change, livelihoods and forced migration’. | Professor Roger Zetter, Dr Camillo Boano and Dr Tim Morris | November 2008 |
