Overall Conclusions Refugee Youth in Prolonged Forced Migration

Based on data collected between 1999 and 2005 and the reflections of team leaders, other researchers, practitioners, and policymakers present at the workshop, the following lessons learned were drawn from the research programme on refugee children and youth in the Middle East and North Africa :

• 1) Gender and generation are significant considerations to include in studies and projects which seek to understand the experiences of young refugees.
• 2) The ethical management of research and collaboration with local associations are vital to bridge the gap between academia and practice.
• 3) Participatory Research Approaches (PRA) that are mindful of social context and ethical issues can be effective tools for identifying the priorities of refugee youth and for encouraging a sense of agency and ownership.
• 4) Policies affecting refugee youth should a) reflect a holistic and participatory approach; b) recognise the importance of oral history and memory; c) encourage self-reliance, self-expression, and empowerment; and, d) prioritise education and vocational training.