What do research topics in migration studies look like? Take a look!
As part of their third semester, EMMIR students undertake a project-based internship, where they conduct independent research and write a report on their findings.
In 2024, Edition 11 students conducted research across multiple regions and themes, including forced displacement, integration policies, humanitarian response, and the role of education in refugee settings. With research conducted in Uganda, Germany, Poland, Norway, Portugal, Lebanon, Greece, and more, these abstracts offer insights into the complex realities of migration today.
Some students have opted to remain anonymous in their publications.
Below, you’ll find a collection of their thesis abstracts, each offering a unique perspective on migration trends, policies, and lived experiences.
Analysis of Diaspora Engagement Projects in South-Eastern Europe: A Case Study of Montenegro and North Macedonia
Revathy Kuttykrishnan Jayakumari
Abstract
South-Eastern Europe (SEE) is a region characterised by historic trends of migration, displacement induced by war, and comparatively newer state formation. As most countries in the region grapple with increasing rates of emigration and subsequent brain drain, the diaspora remains a vital player in national development. Countries in SEE have proactive diasporas who contribute to their home countries by the transfer of remittances and knowledge. Even though designing and implementing diaspora engagement programmes in the region opens a plethora of opportunities, it is accompanied by challenges that are unique to the region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been a forerunner in aiding national governments in designing strategies and tools for diaspora engagement across the world. With a case study of two IOM-led diaspora engagement projects in Montenegro and North Macedonia, this study analyses the major trends in diaspora engagement in SEE. By gathering and analysing publicly available data on the projects along with discussions with IOM country office members directly involved in the project, it engages the theoretical framework of diaspora knowledge networks to identify general trends.
Keywords: International Organization for Migration (IOM), Montenegro, North Macedonia, diaspora engagement
Frame Analysis of Polish Language Courses for Ukrainian Refugees and the Role of Non-Formal Education
Regina Rose Domino
Abstract
Research on language education in Poland has gained attention due to the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Multiple studies that explored the implementation of language courses in Poland shed light on the challenges that Ukrainian refugees face in language learning. Seeking to address these challenges, some researchers have studied the use of alternative teaching methods. This paper focuses on how non-formal education (NFE) can facilitate the Polish language learning of Ukrainian refugees. It also investigates: (a) What are the existing policies relating to Polish language education for Ukrainian refugees in Poland? (b) What are the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in learning the Polish language? (c) How can NFE methods address these challenges?
Following the concepts of critical pedagogy, integration, and inclusion, this paper claims that non-formal education methods have the potential to create effective Polish language courses for Ukrainian refugees by addressing the intercultural aspect of language courses and the social and emotional needs of Ukrainian refugees. The study employs qualitative research through frame analysis conducted at macro, meso, and micro levels. The analysis is based on relevant secondary data, such as policy documents (macro) and journal articles exploring the implementation of Individual Integration Programmes and language courses offered by the Office for Foreigners (meso) and initiatives by public offices and NGOs (micro).
The findings of this paper outline the different challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in learning the Polish language and how these challenges have been exacerbated by gaps in current policies. For instance, the need for intercultural language courses is recognised in Polish legislation, but the specific social and emotional needs of Ukrainian refugees as displaced individuals are not addressed. Additionally, NFE methods, despite having the potential to improve intercultural competencies and address the social and emotional needs of refugees, are overlooked in state provisions for Polish language education. A more holistic approach that includes adequate funding, intercultural course content, and support for social and emotional well-being is crucial for improving Polish language acquisition among Ukrainian refugees.
Skilled Migration and Irregularity: Exploring the Complexities of German Migration Governance Within the Uzbek Context
Christine Jentsch
Abstract
The recent signing of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement on 15 September 2024 marks a significant development in the relationship between Germany and Uzbekistan. This agreement addresses Germany's urgent need for skilled labour in critical sectors like healthcare, industry, and manufacturing, facilitating the migration of Uzbek workers to fill essential gaps in the German labour market. However, it extends beyond labour migration, incorporating provisions for the return of migrants classified as ‘irregular’ by the state. This bilateral deal highlights the increasing importance of migration policies within Germany's political landscape, particularly as the current administration takes a firmer stance on deportation and immigration control.
This research paper explores the implications of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (2024), focusing on two main areas: the migration of skilled Uzbek workers to Germany and the ethical complexities surrounding the return of ‘irregular’ migrants. It critically assesses Germany’s selective immigration framework in relation to international migrant protection standards, such as the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (A/RES/73/195). Additionally, the paper examines the role of cultural institutions like the Goethe-Institut in supporting the integration of skilled migrants and how these efforts reinforce exclusionary policies that favour educated individuals over less-skilled migrants.
The research question asks: How do Germany’s selective immigration policies impact the broader migration landscape and the rights of less-skilled migrants? What role does the Goethe-Institut play in shaping these selective processes? The findings indicate that Germany's approach prioritises attracting skilled labour while imposing restrictive measures on irregular migration, reinforcing structural inequalities that limit the autonomy and rights of migrants from Uzbekistan. Furthermore, this selective framework reflects and reinforces neo-colonial dynamics, positioning Uzbekistan primarily as a source of labour and overlooking the rights and needs of its citizens. While cultural institutions provide valuable resources for skilled migrants, they often exclude lower-income individuals, pushing vulnerable populations toward ‘irregular’ migration and increasing their risk of exploitation.
Germany’s migration policies, while aimed at addressing labour shortages, must confront the ethical challenges of exclusion and marginalisation. A more equitable framework is essential, recognising the diverse contributions of all migrants and prioritising their rights and dignity. By adopting a postcolonial perspective and understanding the complex interplay of migration, power, and inequality, policymakers can navigate contemporary migration challenges more effectively, fostering an environment that empowers individuals rather than marginalises them, regardless of their skill level.
Exploring the Myanmar Diaspora Resilience and Activism Through Podcasting at the NGO Integria in Prague
Giuliana Speranza Araujo
Abstract
This paper explores the resilience and activism of the Myanmar diaspora through interviews conducted for a podcast series during an internship at the NGO Integria in Prague. Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, the diaspora's activism abroad has been critical in advocating for democracy and human rights. The research highlights various forms of activism, including international engagement, economic sanctions, and community building, while also examining the challenges faced by Myanmar migrants, refugees, and exiled activists. The study underscores the importance of cross-border connections, motivation, and resilience in sustaining the diaspora's efforts against the military junta.
The Roma Community in the Czech Republic: Discrimination and Psychosocial Support
Emmanuel Ugwu
Abstract
The Roma community remains the largest national minority in the Czech Republic and in Europe generally. Given that they have a culture that is significantly different from that of the Czech majority and have maintained it despite living for decades in the Czech Republic, they are seen as maladjusted. This perception of them results partly from the negative presentation of them in the media by politicians, which misinforms the public.
This paper explored the persistent discrimination faced by the Roma community in the Czech Republic and the vital role of psychosocial support in mitigating its effects. Using the ecological systems perspective as a base and drawing on the literature review and ethnographic methods, the study reviewed the different forms of discrimination they face, the availability of psychosocial support, and the possible challenges of providing such support.
The study relied on secondary sources and first-hand information and experiences from two months of an internship in the Czech Republic for data. The review showed that the Czech Roma face social, educational, economic, and health discrimination, with few options for psychosocial support from non-governmental organisations. The paper concluded by recommending that the Czech government should make policies that would protect the interest of Roma people (especially in media presentations) and reduce discrimination and that would empower social workers to provide psychosocial support to not only the Roma community but also Czech citizens who may need this support.
Keywords: discrimination, Czech Roma, psychosocial support, social work
What Role Does Post-Traumatic Growth Play in the Lives of Refugees in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement Who Have Experienced Prolonged Displacement?
Anonymous
Abstract
This paper explores the role of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in the lives of refugees experiencing prolonged displacement in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Grounded in the PTG theory by Tedeschi and Calhoun, it examines how individuals navigate adversity to develop resilience and personal transformation. The study employs a qualitative narrative approach, utilising in-depth interviews with six refugees from Rwanda and Burundi, who have lived in Nakivale for more than six years.
The findings highlight critical barriers to PTG, including persistent insecurity, unmet basic needs, and the psychological burden of potential forced repatriation. Despite these challenges, themes of personal strength, appreciation for life, and spiritual growth emerged, particularly among younger participants. The study reveals the complex interplay between structural adversities and individual resilience, emphasising that while PTG is possible, systemic issues must be addressed to foster recovery and empowerment. This research contributes to understanding the psychosocial dimensions of protracted refugee situations, calling for holistic approaches to support refugees' well-being and growth.
Labour Migration from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Germany: Mapping of the Pathways to the German Labour Market
Davor Tunjić
Abstract
Labour migration and mobility are global phenomena and play a crucial role in the economies of many developed Western nations. Although labour migration is essential for these economies, labour migrants often face different vetting processes to gain access to these labour markets. While highly skilled migrants in certain professions are favoured, others face more restrictive access. Access to the labour market also highly depends on the home country from which labour migrants originate.
This research paper analyses the different pathways labour migrants can take to access the German labour market, focusing on migrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina—a candidate country for the European Union but not yet a full member. Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of the so-called “Western Balkans”, a group of six countries that form a political periphery of Europe, geographically close yet politically excluded from the EU family.
As non-EU citizens, workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina do not enjoy the same access to EU labour markets as some neighbouring EU member states. However, they do benefit from certain privileges and expedited pathways that are not available to many other third-country nationals, particularly when it comes to accessing the German labour market. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also one of the few non-EU countries from which “unskilled workers” have legal options to enter the labour market.
This paper maps the various pathways used by labour migrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter the German labour market. Some of these pathways are typical for all third-country nationals, while others are more distinctive to workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina or, to some extent, to the broader "Western Balkans" region.
The main objective is to address the following questions: What migration pathways are available to workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and how do they compare to those of other third-country nationals? Which are most used by Bosnian migrants, and what options exist for skilled versus unskilled workers?
The methodology involved analysing secondary sources, including official government websites, academic literature, reports, and datasets available on the topic in English, German, and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. In addition to distinguishing between EU nationals and third-country nationals, Germany differentiates between skilled and unskilled workers. For the mapping, I categorise the pathways on skill-based accessibility. This approach reflects the distinctions made by the German government.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Labour Migrant Integration Policies in Norway: An Analysis of Labour Market Entry and Social Inclusion
Ali Ashraf
Abstract
This paper evaluates the effectiveness of labour migrant integration policies in Norway, focusing on labour market entry and social inclusion. Labour migrants are crucial for sectors like construction, healthcare, and agriculture, yet they face persistent challenges in integrating into the labour market and society. These challenges include language barriers, delays in foreign qualification recognition, and social exclusion. Norway’s primary integration frameworks—the Introduction Act (2003) and the Integration Act (2021)—have sought to address these issues through structured programmes aimed at promoting language acquisition, vocational training, and rapid labour market participation. However, despite these efforts, barriers remain.
The Introduction Act (2003) was designed to facilitate rapid integration by providing newly arrived migrants with access to essential training programmes. While this act laid the foundation for migrant integration, it failed to address the complexities faced by highly skilled migrants, particularly in terms of qualification recognition and employment matching. To address these shortcomings, the Integration Act (2021) was introduced. This legislation places a stronger emphasis on aligning training programmes with labour market needs and expediting the recognition of foreign qualifications. It also mandates intensive language training to ensure that migrants acquire the necessary skills for meaningful employment. However, despite these policy advancements, highly skilled labour migrants continue to experience delays in qualification recognition, forcing many to accept jobs below their skill levels. Meanwhile, migrants in low-wage sectors face precarious employment conditions, such as temporary contracts and low pay, contributing to economic insecurity.
Social inclusion is equally important for successful integration. The Hverdags Integrering Strategy (2021–2024) seeks to address this by promoting everyday integration, encouraging civic participation, and fostering social networks. However, the impact of this strategy has been limited. Many migrants, particularly those from non-European backgrounds, continue to face discrimination and social isolation, both in the workplace and society. The White Paper NOU 2022:18 highlights how discrimination impedes the full integration of labour migrants. Despite government efforts to promote social cohesion, the exclusion of migrants from key social and cultural activities remains a significant challenge.
This research utilises qualitative content analysis of key policy documents to assess the effectiveness of these integration measures. The findings suggest that while Norway’s policies have improved labour market access for many migrants, systemic barriers such as delayed qualification recognition and pervasive discrimination continue to undermine full integration. Vocational training and mentorship programs have shown variable success, depending on the sector, with more progress seen in low-skilled industries compared to high-skilled professions.
This paper argues that more targeted reforms are necessary to improve labour migrant integration in Norway. These reforms should include simplifying the process for recognizing foreign qualifications, expanding access to flexible and targeted language programs, and strengthening anti-discrimination measures in both the workplace and society.
Abstract (Turkish Version)
Bu makale, Norveç’te iş gücü göçmenlerinin entegrasyon politikalarının etkinliğini, özellikle iş gücü piyasasına giriş ve toplumsal katılım bağlamında değerlendirmektedir. İş gücü göçmenleri, inşaat, sağlık ve tarım gibi sektörler için hayati öneme sahip olmasına rağmen, iş gücü piyasasına ve topluma entegrasyon konusunda sürekli zorluklarla karşılaşmaktadırlar. Bu zorluklar arasında dil engelleri, yabancı yeterliliklerin tanınmasındaki gecikmeler ve sosyal dışlanma yer almaktadır. Norveç'in temel entegrasyon çerçeveleri olan Tanıtım Yasası (2003) ve Entegrasyon Yasası (2021), dil edinimi, mesleki eğitim ve hızlı iş gücü piyasasına katılımı teşvik eden yapılandırılmış programlar aracılığıyla bu sorunları ele almaya çalışmıştır. Ancak, bu çabalara rağmen, engeller varlığını sürdürmektedir.
Tanıtım Yasası (2003), yeni gelen göçmenlerin temel eğitim programlarına erişimini sağlayarak hızlı entegrasyonu kolaylaştırmak amacıyla tasarlanmıştır. Bu yasa, göçmen entegrasyonunun temelini atarken, özellikle yüksek vasıflı göçmenlerin niteliklerinin tanınması ve istihdam uyumu konusunda karşılaştıkları karmaşıklıkları ele almakta yetersiz kalmıştır. Bu eksiklikleri gidermek amacıyla Entegrasyon Yasası (2021) devreye sokulmuştur. Bu yasa, eğitim programlarının iş gücü piyasası ihtiyaçlarıyla daha uyumlu hale getirilmesine ve yabancı yeterliliklerin tanınmasının hızlandırılmasına daha güçlü bir vurgu yapmaktadır. Ayrıca, göçmenlerin anlamlı bir istihdama sahip olmalarını sağlamak için yoğun dil eğitimi zorunluluğu getirilmiştir. Ancak, bu politika gelişmelerine rağmen, yüksek vasıflı iş gücü göçmenleri yeterliliklerinin tanınmasında hala gecikmeler yaşamaktadır ve birçok kişi, beceri seviyelerinin altında işlerde çalışmak zorunda kalmaktadır. Diğer yandan, düşük ücretli sektörlerdeki göçmenler geçici sözleşmeler ve düşük ücret gibi güvencesiz çalışma koşullarıyla karşı karşıya kalmakta, bu da ekonomik güvensizliğe yol açmaktadır.
Toplumsal katılım, başarılı entegrasyon için eşit derecede önemlidir. Hverdagsintegrering Stratejisi (2021-2024), günlük entegrasyonu teşvik ederek, sivil katılımı destekleyerek ve sosyal ağların oluşturulmasını teşvik ederek bu sorunu ele almayı hedeflemektedir. Ancak, bu stratejinin etkisi sınırlı olmuştur. Özellikle Avrupa dışı kökenlerden gelen göçmenler, hem iş yerinde hem de toplumda ayrımcılık ve sosyal izolasyonla karşılaşmaya devam etmektedir. NOU 2022:18 sayılı Beyaz Kitap, ayrımcılığın iş gücü göçmenlerinin tam entegrasyonunu nasıl engellediğini vurgulamaktadır. Hükümetin sosyal uyumu teşvik etme çabalarına rağmen, göçmenlerin temel sosyal ve kültürel etkinliklerden dışlanması önemli bir zorluk olarak varlığını sürdürmektedir.
Bu araştırma, bu entegrasyon önlemlerinin etkinliğini değerlendirmek amacıyla temel politika belgelerinin niteliksel içerik analizini kullanmaktadır. Bulgular, Norveç’in politikalarının birçok göçmen için iş gücü piyasasına erişimi iyileştirdiğini, ancak yeterliliklerin tanınmasındaki gecikmeler ve yaygın ayrımcılık gibi sistematik engellerin tam entegrasyonu baltalamaya devam ettiğini göstermektedir. Mesleki eğitim ve mentorluk programları, sektöre bağlı olarak değişen başarılar göstermiş olup, düşük vasıflı endüstrilerde yüksek vasıflı mesleklere göre daha fazla ilerleme kaydedilmiştir.
Sonuç olarak, bu makale, Norveç’te iş gücü göçmenlerinin entegrasyonunu iyileştirmek için daha hedeflenmiş reformlara ihtiyaç duyulduğunu savunmaktadır. Bu reformlar, yabancı yeterliliklerin tanınma sürecinin basitleştirilmesini, esnek ve hedeflenmiş dil programlarına erişimin genişletilmesini ve hem iş yerinde hem de toplumda ayrımcılığa karşı önlemlerin güçlendirilmesini içermelidir.
Roma Children in Education: The Example of the Czech Republic
Özge Şahin
Abstract
Throughout history, the Roma have consistently been regarded as one of the poorest and most socially excluded groups in the societies they live in and have faced various forms of discrimination (Greenberg, 2010). Education is one of the most prominent areas in which this discrimination has been evident (Stejskalová, 2012). The access of Roma children to formal education has been severely limited, both historically and in the present day (Cashman, 2017). In the second half of the 20th century, many Romani communities in Europe encountered an educational policy, under the influence of communist regimes, that often misclassified Romani children as "disabled" and directed them to special education schools. According to many researchers, this special school segregation and other educational discrimination practices towards Romani students continue today (New & Kyuchukov, 2018; Cashman, 2017; Stejskalová, 2012). The fact that Romani children are disproportionately placed in special schools in the Czech Republic was also confirmed by the 2007 ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (Stejskalová, 2012). The court stated that Romani children were being educated with a simplified curriculum in schools designed for mildly mentally disabled students. It declared that this violated the prohibition of discrimination in education, calling on the Czech government to implement reforms (Amnesty International, 2015). However, the slow progress of reforms in this area indicates that the problem remains unresolved (Cashman, 2017; Stejskalová, 2012). This study examines whether discrimination in access to education for Romani children persists today, based on data I collected during a two-month internship at an NGO called KoCeRo, which provides support to Romani children in the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Using participant observation and interviews with five NGO staff, the collected data is compared with academic literature to determine whether there has been a decrease in discrimination against Romani children in the Czech education system.
The Chixoy Dam Project in Guatemala: Forced Displacements, Decolonial Perspectives, and Interculturality in Contemporary Literature
Sophie Scheingraber
Abstract
This paper analyses the Chixoy Dam project in Guatemala and its profound social and environmental consequences, particularly on the indigenous Maya Achí community. Namely, the project led to forced displacements, massacres, and human rights violations under Guatemala’s military dictatorship. Through a decolonial lens, the paper addresses how the dam construction was rooted in neocolonial power dynamics and highlights the ongoing marginalisation of indigenous populations in Guatemala.
The Chixoy Dam serves as a case study in the global trend of renewable energy projects that, while addressing climate change, can exacerbate social inequalities. Despite Guatemala's high hydropower capacity, regions like Verapaz, where the Chixoy Dam is located, have the lowest percentage of households with access to electricity. This contradiction underscores the rural-urban divide and the structural disadvantage faced by indigenous communities, who make up the majority of the population in the affected areas.
In the light of decoloniality and just transition theories, one must acknowledge that the dam construction and the following massacres on the indigenous population were acts of neocolonial power as indigenous people were forcefully displaced, their knowledge systems and cosmovision were suppressed, and their strong ties to nature and subsidiary agriculture were ignored. Social disruptions and long-term poverty are results of these neocolonial policies. The concept of "just transition", which advocates for a fair and inclusive shift to renewable energy, is critically examined in the report. While the transition to renewable energy is essential to addressing global climate challenges, one must argue that this process needs to include indigenous knowledge to ensure that all population groups benefit equally. The analysis reveals that the Chixoy Dam project failed to adhere to the principles of just transition as the indigenous communities affected were neither consulted nor compensated fairly.
To deepen the discussion on Guatemala’s violent history and its representation, the report incorporates a literary analysis of Arturo Arias’s novel The Price of Consolation. Arias’s novel offers a complex portrayal of Guatemala’s past and the Chixoy Dam-related massacres, blending the perspectives of a ladino journalist and an indigenous activist. The report uses this literary work to illustrate how Guatemala’s violent history is perceived from both indigenous and non-indigenous viewpoints, shedding light on the themes of historical trauma, resistance, and interculturality.
Das Chixoy-Staudammprojekt in Guatemala: Zwangsumsiedlungen, dekoloniale Perspektiven und Interkulturalität in der zeitgenössischen Literatur
Sophie Scheingraber
Abstract
Dieses Paper analysiert das Chixoy-Staudammprojekt in Guatemala und seine tiefgreifenden sozialen und ökologischen Folgen, insbesondere für die indigene Maya-Gemeinschaft Achí. Das Projekt führte zu Zwangsumsiedlungen, Massakern und Menschenrechtsverletzungen unter Guatemalas Militärdiktatur. Durch eine dekoloniale Brille betrachtet zeigt das Paper, wie der Staudammbau in neokolonialen Machtdynamiken verwurzelt war und beleuchtet die anhaltende Marginalisierung indigener Bevölkerungsgruppen in Guatemala.
Der Chixoy-Damm dient als Fallstudie für den weltweiten Trend zu Projekten für erneuerbare Energien, die zwar den Klimawandel bekämpfen, aber auch soziale Ungleichheiten verschärfen können. Trotz Guatemalas hoher Wasserkraftkapazität haben Regionen wie Verapaz, wo sich der Chixoy-Staudamm befindet, den niedrigsten Prozentsatz an Haushalten mit Zugang zu Elektrizität. Dieser Widerspruch unterstreicht die Kluft zwischen Stadt und Land und die strukturelle Benachteiligung indigener Gemeinschaften, die die Mehrheit der Bevölkerung in den betroffenen Gebieten ausmachen.
Ausgehend von den theoretischen Konzepten der Dekolonialität und der „just transition“ muss man anerkennen, dass der Staudammbau und die anschließenden Massaker an der indigenen Bevölkerung ein Akt neokolonialer Macht war, da die indigene Bevölkerung gewaltsam vertrieben wurde, ihre Wissenssysteme und ihre Kosmovision unterdrückt und ihre starke Bindung an die Natur sowie die subsidiäre Landwirtschaft ignoriert wurden. Soziale Verwerfungen und langfristige Armut sind die Folgen dieser neokolonialen Politik. Das Konzept der „just transition“, das sich für einen fairen und inklusiven Übergang zu erneuerbaren Energien ausspricht, wird in dem Bericht kritisch beleuchtet. Während der Übergang zu erneuerbaren Energie für die Bewältigung der globalen Klimaprobleme unerlässlich ist, muss dieser Prozess indigenes Wissen einbeziehen, um ganzheitlich sicherzustellen, dass alle Bevölkerungsgruppen gleichermaßen profitieren. Die Analyse zeigt, dass das bei dem Chixoy-Staudammprojekt die Prinzipien der „just transition“ nicht eingehalten wurden, da die betroffenen indigenen Gemeinschaften weder konsultiert noch gerecht entschädigt wurden.
Um die Diskussion über die gewaltsame Militärdiktatur Guatemalas und ihre Darstellung zu vertiefen, enthält das Paper eine literarische Analyse von Arturo Arias' Roman „Der Preis des Trostes“. Arias' Roman bietet eine komplexe Darstellung der Vergangenheit Guatemalas und des mit dem Chixoy-Staudamm verbundenen Massakers, in dem sich die Perspektiven eines ladino- Journalisten und eines indigenen Aktivisten vermischen. Der Bericht nutzt dieses literarische Werk, um zu veranschaulichen, wie die Militärdiktatur Guatemalas sowohl von indigenen und nicht-indigenen Sichtweisen wahrgenommen wird, und beleuchtet die Themen historisches Trauma, Widerstand und Interkulturalität.
Implementation of the Education Response Plan for Refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Foster Billah
Abstract
This paper discusses the implementation of the Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, highlighting the critical role of education in offering stability, personal development, social inclusion, and hope for refugees. Uganda, known for its progressive refugee policies, hosts the largest refugee population in Africa and is currently a sanctuary for about 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers. Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of the oldest refugee settlements in Africa and home to about 202,283 refugees, has a unique coexistence model for nationals and refugees, sharing common resources such as water, land, healthcare, and education. The paper employs SWOT and interpretative policy analyses to qualitatively explore the practical implementation of the Education Response Plan in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement through the lens of implementation theory. It combines field data from interviews, discussions, meetings, and observations with policy documents on equitable and inclusive education in Uganda. The study reveals the progress made through collaborative efforts by the Ugandan government and development partners, leading to infrastructural development, accessible, quality, inclusive education, and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities. Despite progressive policies and outcomes, barriers such as resource constraints, socio-cultural obstacles, and structural inequalities hinder educational inclusivity, resulting in high dropout rates and the exclusion of vulnerable populations such as learners with disabilities. It recommends a bold and concerted effort to implement policies that genuinely reflect the values of equity, diversity, and cultural openness and contribute to societal cohesion and sustainable development.
Evaluating the Impact of TPO ́s Mental Health Programs and Nsamizi ́s Livelihood Support on Resilience and Sustainability in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Johanna Krysl
Abstract
This paper examines the intersection of mental health and livelihood challenges among refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, based on my internship with TPO Uganda and Nsamizi. Nakivale, Africa’s oldest refugee settlement, hosts refugees facing severe mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, and depression, exacerbated by poverty and displacement. My research assesses how interventions by TPO Uganda and Nsamizi impact refugee resilience and livelihoods. TPO Uganda provides mental health support, including counselling and group therapy, helping refugees manage trauma and engage in community life. Nsamizi focuses on livelihood support through vocational training and financial literacy, enabling refugees to establish income-generating activities, such as tailoring and livestock farming.
The study finds that these interventions significantly improve refugees' mental health and economic well-being, linking emotional resilience to livelihood empowerment. However, challenges such as limited land access and social stigma, particularly related to HIV, hinder long-term sustainability. While TPO Uganda and Nsamizi have laid a solid foundation, further development in mental health services, livelihood opportunities, and social integration is needed to ensure lasting resilience and self-sufficiency for refugees in Nakivale.
Evaluierung der Auswirkungen von Programmen zu mentaler Gesundheit und Lebensunterhaltssicherung und Nachhaltigkeit der NGOs TPO Uganda und Nsamizi in der Nakivale-Flüchtlingssiedlung
Johanna Krysl
Abstract (German Version)
Diese wissenschaftliche Arbeit untersucht die Überschneidung von psychischer Gesundheit und Herausforderungen in der nachhaltigen Existenzsicherung von Geflüchteten in der Nakivale-Flüchtlingssiedlung (Nakivale Refugee Settlement), Uganda. Grundlage der Analyse sind meine Erfahrungen aus dem Praktikum bei TPO Uganda und Nsamizi.
Nakivale, die älteste Flüchtlingssiedlung Afrikas, beherbergt Geflüchtete, die unter schweren psychischen Belastungen wie Traumata, Angststörungen, posttraumatischen Belastungsstörungen (PTBS) und Depressionen leiden. Diese psychischen Erkrankungen entstehen oft infolge gewaltsamer Konflikte, die die Menschen zur Flucht zwangen. Armut und Vertreibung verstärken diese Belastungen zusätzlich und machen das Leben in der Siedlung zu einer enormen Herausforderung.
Im Rahmen meiner Forschungsarbeit untersuche ich, wie sich die Maßnahmen von TPO Uganda und Nsamizi auf die Widerstandsfähigkeit und die wirtschaftliche Selbstständigkeit der Geflüchteten auswirken. TPO Uganda leistet psychologische Unterstützung durch Beratung und Gruppentherapie und hilft den Betroffenen, Traumata zu bewältigen und sich wieder in das Gemeinschaftsleben zu integrieren. Nsamizi konzentriert sich auf die Förderung nachhaltiger Lebensgrundlagen, indem es berufliche Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen und finanzielle Bildung anbietet. Dies ermöglicht den Geflüchteten, einkommensschaffende Tätigkeiten wie Schneiderei oder Viehzucht aufzubauen.
Die Studie zeigt, dass diese Interventionen die psychische Gesundheit und das wirtschaftliche Wohlergehen der Geflüchteten signifikant verbessern. Sie verdeutlicht zudem, wie eng emotionale Belastbarkeit und wirtschaftliche Stabilität miteinander verknüpft sind.
Parental Self-Efficacy of Congolese Single Mothers in Nakivale in Supporting Their Children’s Education in a Protracted Refugee Situation
Furkan Gökalp
Abstract
This study investigates the experiences of Congolese single mothers living in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, focusing on their perceptions of parental self-efficacy (PSE), the challenges they face in supporting their children's education, and the sources of support on which they rely. Drawing on Albert Bandura's conceptualization of self-efficacy and data from 14 interviews, the research highlights the resilience and determination of these mothers despite significant economic struggles, limited access to resources, and varying levels of community support. The findings reveal a complex relationship between personal accomplishments and external obstacles in shaping the mothers' self-efficacy beliefs. While many mothers demonstrated a high level of self-efficacy, external barriers such as poverty and inadequate support systems constrained their ability to fully exercise their parenting roles, particularly in ensuring their children's education. However, the study also identifies limitations in its approach, particularly the lack of deeper exploration into the emotional and historical factors influencing self-efficacy beliefs. This highlights the need for future research to delve further into the underlying motivations that shape these beliefs. Overall, this research sheds light on the resilience of refugee single mothers in a protracted refugee situation, contributing to a deeper understanding of their experiences and the challenges they face. This study provides a foundation for further inquiry and interventions aimed at supporting refugee families in similar contexts.
Pushbacks and the State of Exception in the Lesvos–Turkey Biopolitical Borderzone
Raquel Carvalho
Abstract
This paper analyses the pushback measures occurring daily in the Aegean Sea, especially along the border between Lesvos and Turkey, through the lens of Giorgio Agamben’s biopolitical theory of bare life and state of exception. It argues that the Greek government and European Union actors intentionally contribute to the dire and violent conditions that people on the move endure and that pushbacks have become a central tool of migration control. The research highlights that the 12 kilometres separating the Turkish coast from Lesvos is not merely a geographic boundary but an arbitrary socio-political line that conceals numerous dangers, as evidenced by violent practices inflicted on migrants, including forced return, physical violence, and abandonment at sea (Olsen, 2024). Reports indicate that from January 2017 to September 2024, 3,226 boats carrying over 88,208 individuals were pushed back from Greek islands to Turkish waters, with 66 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone (Aegean Boat Report, 2024; Border Violence Lesvos, 2024). Such practices reflect Agamben’s notion of "inclusion by exclusion" (Agamben, 1998), in which individuals are stripped of their legal rights and reduced to mere biological existence. The research demonstrates how pushbacks operate as a mechanism of sovereign power, enacting a state of exception in which normal legal protections are suspended and human rights are systematically denied. The paper challenges European border policies, using Agamben’s framework to show that pushbacks are framed as part of a crisis response but reveal a deliberate policy of abandonment. The normalisation of this emergency discourse masks the systemic neglect and violence faced by people on the move, turning border zones into spaces where death and suffering become accepted outcomes. The research also highlights the importance of viewing pushbacks as part of a broader system of biopolitical control, in which human rights are suspended and life is reduced to “bare life”. Despite limitations in fully exploring other concepts from Agamben's work, the paper calls for future research into the structural violence faced by migrants and their agency in resisting these oppressive policies. By exposing these unlawful practices, this study contributes to the global conversation on the need for political forms that prioritise human rights over state-sanctioned violence.
Cultural Exchange or Labour Migration? The Immigration of Filipino Au Pairs to Norway
Efmar Jerald Caguimbal
Abstract
This research explores the transformation of the Norwegian au pair programme, originally designed for cultural exchange, into a form of labour migration, with a focus on Filipino au pairs. Filipino participants have consistently made up the majority of au pairs in Norway, driven primarily by economic necessity rather than the intended goal of cultural exchange. The study examines systemic deficiencies in Norway’s childcare system that have created a reliance on au pairs, as well as Norwegian immigration and labour policies that have shaped the experiences of au pairs in the country. Through an analysis of data obtained from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and relevant academic literature, this research highlights the vulnerabilities of Filipino au pairs, who often find themselves in precarious labour conditions due to their ambiguous legal status. The discontinuation of the au pair programme in March 2024 marks a significant shift in Norway’s approach to migrant domestic work, raising important questions about how families will meet childcare needs and how future immigration policies will address labour migration. The findings suggest a need for policy reforms that recognize the contributions of au pairs and provide stronger protections for migrant domestic workers.
Challenging Western Approaches: Men’s and Women’s Perceptions of Empowerment Initiatives in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Mariana Valtierra Chico
Abstract
This research explores perceptions of gender-based violence (GBV) reduction initiatives in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, with a focus on the Women’s Centre in Rubondo. The study examines how men and women perceive empowerment, the effectiveness of the Women’s Centre, and how traditional gender roles and cultural norms shape these views. Through field observations from the author and semi-structured interviews with four women participants from the Rubondo Women’s Centre in Nakivale and three men from the community, the research reveals a disconnect between the intended goals for reducing GBV initiatives and the community’s understanding of them. Most of the women interviewed view empowerment primarily through access to resources such as sewing machines and business opportunities rather than as a means of enhancing personal agency or autonomy. This reflects a broader critique of Western-centric approaches to empowerment, which often prioritize economic self-reliance over addressing deeper socio-cultural barriers that limit women’s agency. While skills-based training is valuable, it does not fully tackle the persistent structural inequalities. The study also highlights that the absence of programmes addressing men’s needs may exacerbate gender tensions, as empowerment is seen as a zero-sum game, where gains for one group are perceived as losses for another. Moreover, the lack of engagement with men in these initiatives risks undermining efforts to shift deeply entrenched gender norms.
Key recommendations include adopting more inclusive, culturally sensitive approaches to empowerment that actively involve both men and women. Empowerment initiatives should extend beyond providing resources to women and foster a cooperative environment that addresses gender inequality holistically. Clear communication about the purpose of women-specific programmes is also crucial to avoid misunderstandings and promote collaboration.
This research underscores the complexity of implementing GBV reduction initiatives in refugee settings and calls for an intersectional approach that considers local socio-cultural realities. It advocates for interventions in Nakivale that promote solidarity and shared responsibility rather than alienating any group.
"When Is This Going to Stop?”: Deterrence of People on the Move in Calais, France
Anonymous, Channel Info Project
Abstract
Since the late 1990s, communities of people on the move have arrived in northern France, especially in the city of Calais and the surrounding towns such as Dunkirk and Boulogne-sur-Mer, to try to sail the 27 nautical miles across the English Channel to reach the United Kingdom for a variety of reasons. In the past, the French and British governments have taken measures to attempt to deter people on the move from settling in Calais and trying to cross the Channel, such as the closure of the accommodation centre in Sangatte in 2001 and the dismantling of the “Jungle”. The infamous Jungle was an informal living site of nearly 10,000 people on the move attempting to reach the United Kingdom, which received considerable media attention due to the dire conditions and xenophobic rhetoric on both sides of the Channel. The Jungle was dismantled in 2016 by French Authorities, and since then, smaller jungles or informal living sites have been constructed throughout Calais and surrounding areas. These informal living sites are typically located in industrial zones, abandoned buildings or nestled in forests on the outskirts of Calais. People on the move living in these informal living sites typically share tents and wait for their “chance” to cross the Channel by boat or truck to the United Kingdom. The French National Police and other French authorities regularly employ tactics to deter people on the move from staying in these small informal living sites. These different tactics of deterrence include but are not limited to regular evictions from living sites, systematic arrests, and administrative harassment.
In this report, I examine the French state’s past attempts at methods of deterrence against people on the move trying to execute their migration projects in order to build up to the current situations that I witnessed while participating in an internship in Calais in the summer of 2024, the deadliest year for people on the move thus far in the history of Calais. Through a combination of a literature review of the history of deterrence in Calais and observatory participant research methods, I contrast literature on the history of deterrence with observations of the reactions of people on the move to these attempts at deterrence that I observed during my internship, through the theoretical lenses of “autonomy of migration” and the “politics of exhaustion”. Then, I highlight the impacts of these deterrence efforts on people on the move and end by discussing points on the future of migration in Calais and interrogating how successful these measures of deterrence are in combating undocumented migration.
Quand cela va-t-il s’arrêter? Dissuasion des personnes en situation migratoire à Calais, France
Par “Anonyme”, Channel Info Project
Abstract (French Version)
Depuis la fin des années 1990, les communautés de personnes en situation migratoire sont arrivées dans le nord de la France, notamment dans la ville de Calais et les villes environnantes telles que Dunkerque et Boulogne-sur-Mer, pour essayer de naviguer les 27 milles marins à travers la Manche afin d’atteindre le Royaume-Uni pour diverses raisons. Dans le passé, les gouvernements français et britannique ont pris des mesures pour tenter de dissuader les migrants de s’installer à Calais et d’essayer régulièrement de traverser la Manche, comme la fermeture du centre d’hébergement de Sangatte en 2001 et le démantèlement de la « jungle ». La infameuse « jungle » était un lieu de vie informel de près de 10 000 personnes en déplacement pour tenter d’atteindre le Royaume-Uni, qui a reçu une attention considérable des médias en raison des conditions désastreuses et de la rhétorique xénophobe des deux côtés de la Manche. La grande « jungle » a été démantelée en 2016 par les autorités françaises et depuis, des « jungles » ou lieux de vie informels plus petits ont été construits à travers Calais et ses environs. Ces lieux de vie informels sont généralement situés dans des zones industrielles, des bâtiments abandonnés et nichés dans les forêts à la périphérie de Calais. Les personnes en situation migratoire partagent généralement des tentes, attendant leur « chance » de traverser la Manche et d’arriver au Royaume-Uni.
En 2024, il y a de plus petits lieux de vie informelle autour de la ville de Calais et des environs. Plutôt qu’un grand site de vie comme ce fut le cas avec la « Jungle » en 2016, les autorités françaises utilisent régulièrement des tactiques pour dissuader les personnes en déplacement de vivre dans ces petits sites de vie informels, de rester à Calais et dans les zones environnantes, et, dans l’ensemble, tenter de traverser la Manche en bateau ou en camion, par le biais d’une variété de tactiques. Ces différentes tactiques de dissuasion utilisées par la police nationale française et d’autres autorités françaises comprennent, sans s’y limiter, des expulsions régulières de lieux de vie, des arrestations systématiques et du harcèlement administratif.
Tout au long de ce rapport, j’examinerai les tentatives de l’État français en matière de méthodes de dissuasion contre les personnes en déplacement qui ont tenté d’exécuter leurs projets migratoires par le passé, afin de construire sur les situations actuelles que j’ai pu observer en participant à un stage au Channel Info Project, sur le terrain à Calais, durant l’été 2024. Par une combinaison d’un regard de littérature sur l’histoire de la dissuasion à Calais et des méthodes de recherche des observatoires participants, je compare cela avec les observations des réactions des personnes en mouvement à ces tentatives de dissuasion que j’ai observées à travers les lentilles de « Autonomie de la migration » et « politique de l’épuisement ». Je souligne ensuite les impacts de ces efforts de dissuasion sur les personnes en déplacement, et termine par discuter des points sur l’avenir de la migration à Calais et interroger sur le succès de ces mesures de dissuasion dans la lutte contre la migration sans papiers.
Migration Aspirations and Involuntary Immobility of Refugee Youth in Nakivale Settlement
Rahul Sajee
Abstract
This study examines the migration aspirations of refugee youth in Nakivale Settlement in Uganda within the context of their migration desires, abilities, realistic mobility plans, and involuntary immobility. Despite Uganda’s progressive refugee policies, including the freedom to work and move, nearly all refugee youth in Nakivale aspire to migrate abroad. Through qualitative interviews, this research explores the factors influencing migration aspirations at both macro and micro levels and how these aspirations align with the youths' capabilities, as well as their realistic migration plans when aspirations remain uncertain. The findings reveal that while many young refugees aim to migrate to Global North countries—primarily the USA and Canada—with hopes of permanent settlement and family reunification, these aspirations are rarely realised. Most migration occurs through UNHCR resettlement programmes, study scholarships, or family reunification. The study also highlights the practical challenges to migration, such as restrictive refugee status, lack of resources, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, which significantly hinder the realisation of these aspirations. Furthermore, the research underscores the role of social networks and secondary migration within Uganda, particularly to cities like Mbarara and Kampala, as more feasible alternatives for some youth. This illustrates the adaptability of their migration goals in response to the challenges of their environment. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of migration aspirations in refugee contexts, particularly in the Global South, where aspirations often diverge from the realities of mobility.
Keywords: migration aspirations, refugee youth, Nakivale, Uganda, involuntary immobility, secondary migration, social networks
Exploring How Bureaucratic Delays, Language Barriers, and the Need to Rebuild Careers Impact Ukrainian Women’s Mental Well-Being in Germany
Theresa Schmidt
Abstract
Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians fled to various European countries, with a significant number seeking refuge in Germany. Germany has been widely acknowledged for its efforts to integrate refugees, particularly through the European Union’s Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), which provided swift and relatively straightforward access to resources and services, such as work permits and social benefits. However, despite these efforts, many challenges remain, especially for those attempting to enter the labour market and navigate the complexities of German bureaucracy. This exploratory research focuses on how these structural factors affect the mental health of Ukrainian women as they attempt to settle and build new lives in Germany.
By applying ethnographic methodology through interviews and observations with four Ukrainian women who have been living in Germany for more than two years, this study explores how issues such as waiting periods, uncertainty about the future, labour market integration, and bureaucracy contribute to post-migration stress for them. These women, all highly educated, faced significant barriers in finding jobs that matched their qualifications. The lack of proficiency in the German language emerged as a central obstacle, as it was essential not only for securing employment but also for social integration. The pressure to accept lower-skilled jobs and the long process of recognition of their diplomas led to frustration and a sense of stagnation among the women.
In addition to the challenges of finding appropriate employment, the uncertainty surrounding their legal status due to the temporary nature of the TPD created significant stress. This legal uncertainty made it difficult for them to make long-term plans, as they did not know whether they would be able to remain in Germany or be required to return to Ukraine. Some women viewed the prospect of returning to Ukraine as an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they had gained in Germany, while others were distressed by the possibility of having to return, especially those from regions more severely affected by the war.
Dealing with German bureaucracy was another source of frustration for the women, as they encountered slow, complex processes that they felt were illogical and difficult to navigate. They described feeling passive and dependent on others, which added to their stress. The bureaucratic process was closely tied to the experience of waiting, which became a central theme in their lives in Germany. While some of the women tried to use their waiting time productively by applying for jobs, internships, or courses, their agency was limited by the need to obtain permission from the JobCenter for almost every activity they pursued. This left them feeling constrained, with little control over their futures.
Overall, this research shows that while Germany’s policies have helped facilitate the initial integration of Ukrainian refugees, the structural challenges related to language proficiency, bureaucracy, and labour market integration have placed a significant mental burden on the four Ukrainian women interviewed for this research. The findings highlight the need for further research, particularly focusing on the impact of these issues on mental health. Understanding these challenges more deeply is crucial for improving support systems for refugees in the future.
Reflection of Resilience: An Autoethnographic Study of the Mental Health Challenges of Local Humanitarian Workers in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Ibiene Princess George
Abstract
This project presents an autoethnographic reflection of the mental health challenges of local humanitarian field workers, which I experienced and observed during my internship at the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Drawing on informal interactions, personal observations, and stories from lived experiences, the work explores the psychological impact of prolonged exposure to displacement crises, organisational stressors, and demanding work environments on field workers. It evaluates how the intersection of personal challenges, professional responsibilities, and systemic constraints creates complex challenges for local humanitarian workers. The findings highlight the dual pressures of navigating trauma-inducing contexts and grappling with systemic challenges such as job insecurity, interpersonal distrust, and work monotony. Integrating the job demand–resource model as a theoretical framework provides a better understanding of employee well-being and performance in this context. The autoethnographic approach allows for an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of humanitarian workers, bringing to light the challenges and resilience strategies often invisible in quantitative or generalised research. By reflecting on my observations and interactions during my time at the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, the project provides unique insights into how systemic factors such as leadership quality, organisational support, and workplace dynamics shape the mental health outcomes of field workers. In conclusion, this paper calls for a paradigm shift in how local humanitarian organisations perceive and address the mental health needs of their staff. It advocates for policies and practices prioritising mental well-being as a core component of organisational culture. By doing so, humanitarian agencies can not only enhance the resilience of their workforce but also improve the quality and sustainability of their interventions in complex humanitarian contexts.
Constructing and Signifying Safety Against Gender-Based Violence Through Visual Representations: Initial Images from a Women and Girls Safe Space in Southwest Uganda
Andrea Michaelle Avelino Sánchez
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) constitutes a widespread violation of human rights that predominantly, though not exclusively, impacts women and girls. Individuals experiencing forced displacement, such as asylum seekers and refugees, are at higher risk of encountering particular forms of GBV due to the distinct personal identities and contexts they navigate (UNHCR, 2020). Refugee camps have been exposed as locations with a high prevalence of GBV (Karooma et al., 2022, 2024; Krause, 2015, 2021; Refugee Law Project, 2015). Therefore, Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) have emerged as a programmatic intervention from humanitarian and international aid organisations to prevent and respond to GBV (IMC & IRC, 2020; Noble et al., 2019; Stark et al., 2022). This report is based on accounts from a WGSS in Southwestern Uganda. In this research, I address the question: What specific elements within the WGSS contribute to creating a sense of safety–if any–that might be experienced by women and adolescent girls attending the centre? With insights from a group of 40 women and adolescent girls who use the WGSS, I use the theoretical framework related to the continuum of violence (Kelly, 1988; Krause, 2015, 2021) and intersectionality (Chowdhury et al., 2024; Crenshaw, 1991) to glimpse the entangling between the identities of women intertwined in a chain of structural violence that create unique ways to perceive GBV and safety. I relied on a mixed methodology, employing observation, photovoice (Archibald, 2022; Feen-Calligan et al., 2023), and thematic analysis (Naeem et al., 2023) to understand and explore the initial visual representations and narratives of safety from the eyes of the participants. My initial discussion focuses on three categories that emerged from the photovoice exercise: material elements/objects, actions that women and girls are allowed to perform at the WGSS, and people/feelings. Preliminary findings suggest that living conditions and structural violence within the settlement influence women’s perceptions of safety. The shared idea of safety among the WGSS users is tied to temporary access to resources scarcely available on a daily basis and the legitimisation of the almost exclusively female use of the space allowed by the WGSS facilities. In this sense, superficially common elements became a vector to foster the creation of peer-support networks among the participants, as well as mentorship and learning opportunities to promote empowerment. Safety is understood in terms of the structural challenges faced by the participants, where community-based approaches and support networks appeared to be the foundation of a shared feeling of safety. Nonetheless, there is a need for further exploration of the notions of safety among female refugees and the WGSS and the role of this shared experience when preventing and responding to GBV.
Keywords: gender-based violence (GBV), refugees, safety, perceptions, photovoice, continuum of violence, intersectionality
Constructing and Signifying Safety Against Gender-Based Violence Through Visual Representations: Initial Images from a Women and Girls Safe Space in Southwest Uganda
Andrea Michaelle Avelino Sánchez
Spanish Abstract
La violencia de género (VG) constituye una violación generalizada de los derechos humanos que afecta predominantemente, aunque no de forma exclusiva, a mujeres y niñas. Las personas que se encuentran en situación de desplazamientos forzado, como los solicitantes de asilo y los refugiados, corren un mayor riesgo de encontrarse con formas particulares de VG debido a las distintas identidades personales y contextos a los que se enfrentan (ACNUR, 2020). Los campos de refugiados han sido señalados como lugares con una alta prevalencia de VG (Karooma et al., 2022, 2024; Krause, 2015, 2021; Refugee Law Project, 2015). En este sentido, los Espacios Seguros para Mujeres y Niñas (WGSS por sus siglas en inglés) han surgido como una intervención programática de las organizaciones humanitarias y de ayuda internacional para prevenir y responder a la VG (IMC & IRC, 2020; Noble et al., 2019; Stark et al., 2022). Este informe se basa en los recuentos de las usuarias de un WGSS localizado en suroeste de Uganda. En esta investigación, me planteo la siguiente pregunta: ¿Qué elementos específicos del WGSS contribuyen a crear una sensación de seguridad–si es que la hay–que pueden experimentar las mujeres y las adolescentes que acuden al centro? A partir de las percepciones de un grupo de 40 mujeres y niñas adolescentes usuarias del WGSS, utilizo el marco teórico relacionado con el continuum de violencia (Kelly, 1988; Krause, 2015, 2021) y la interseccionalidad (Chowdhury et al., 2024; Crenshaw, 1991) para vislumbrar el enredo entre las identidades de las mujeres, enzarzadas en una cadena de violencia estructural que crean formas únicas de percibir la violencia de género y la seguridad. Me basé en una metodología mixta, empleando la observación, la fotovoz (Archibald, 2022; Feen-Calligan et al., 2023) y el análisis temático (Naeem et al., 2023) para comprender y explorar inicialmente las representaciones visuales y narrativas sobre seguridad desde los ojos de las participantes. Mi análisis inicial se centra en tres categorías que surgieron del ejercicio de fotovoz: elementos materiales–objetos–, acciones que las mujeres y las niñas pueden realizar en el WGSS, y personas/sentimientos. Los resultados preliminares sugieren que las condiciones de vida y la violencia estructural dentro del asentamiento influyen en la percepción de seguridad de las mujeres. La idea compartida de seguridad entre las usuarias del WGSS está ligada al acceso temporal a recursos escasamente disponibles en el día a día y a la legitimación del uso casi exclusivamente femenino del espacio que permiten las instalaciones del WGSS. En este sentido, elementos superficialmente comunes se convierten en un vector para fomentar la creación de redes de apoyo entre las participantes, así como oportunidades de mentoría y aprendizaje para fomentar el empoderamiento. La seguridad es negociada y significada en términos de los retos estructurales a los que se enfrentan las participantes, donde los enfoques basados en la comunidad y las redes de apoyo parecen ser la base de un sentimiento compartido de bienestar. No obstante, es necesario seguir explorando las nociones de seguridad entre las personas refugiadas y usuarias del WGSS y el papel de esta experiencia compartida para prevenir y responder a la violencia de género.
Palabras clave: Violencia basada en género (VBG), refugiados, seguridad, percepciones, fotovoz, continuum de violencia, interseccionalidad
What Does School Mean to Me? A Participatory Digital Storytelling Project Exploring Educational Challenges and Successes with Rohingya Youth in Formal Education in New Delhi
Georgia Howitt-Sutton
Abstract
Many scholars have explored the precarious legal status of displaced Rohingya refugees in India, yet few academics have explored the concept of everydayness, interrogating the physical and social practices Rohingya in India employ to navigate the harsh restrictions of exclusion and non-integration that are imposed on them. This article explores the role of education for Rohingya girls aged 11 and 12. I employed a mixed-methods research design using digital storytelling, observations, and interviews to explore the challenges and successes in education access for Rohingya children based in the Madanpur Khadar settlement in New Delhi. This study, informed by Ungur’s resilience theory, explores collective narratives of adversity, including poverty, exclusion, and academic underperformance, whilst highlighting resilient behaviours that have emerged in response to continuously changing and disruptive educational journeys. This study isolates the school as a key site of ‘othering’ and negative identity formation and draws on Yuval-Davis’s ‘the politics of belonging’. While school is traditionally seen as a stabilising factor for refugee youth, my findings suggest that the school environment exacerbates social isolation and discrimination faced by Rohingya children. Successes for Rohingya children included the development of educational aspirations and well-being at school despite exclusionary practices. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how refugee children’s social ecologies and changing environments shape their resilience, identity, and perceptions of self within educational contexts.
Teacher, Do We Dance Please? Arts-Based Non-Formal Education for Children and Women on the Move Through a Teacher’s Eye
Irene Vettiyadan
Abstract
This paper explores the role of arts-based educational practices in supporting the mental health and learning experiences of refugees, particularly children and women, in non-formal educational settings. Drawing on my two-month experience at the Open Cultural Centre (OCC) in Polykastro, Greece (June-August 2024), this research report is based on personal interactions and the exchange of life stories, which elaborate on the educational challenges faced by refugees, considering the instability of their circumstances and the prominent cultural and linguistic barriers in a highly diverse group. OCC, a community space near the Nea Kavala refugee camp, provides a variety of educational activities, including language lessons, computer skills workshops, and creative arts sessions. These courses aim to foster inclusivity and provide refugees with the tools to learn and express themselves in a supportive environment. Ultimately, this report attempts to introduce alternative strategies to supplement traditional formal education, with its fixed curricula and long-term objectives, which is often not suitable to satisfy the needs of refugee children, whose education is disrupted by frequent displacement. Arts-based education tries to shape flexible and culturally sensitive environments, where refugees can be autonomous, share their stories, feel acknowledged and empowered, and enhance their emotional and psychological well-being. Using my autoethnographic reflections and drawing on feedback from colleagues and students, the paper explores the effectiveness of these practices from both a teacher's and a student's perspective to understand the impact of arts-based learning on refugee students. The findings suggest that intercultural competence and the use of diverse, adaptable learning strategies can be crucial for addressing the varied needs of people on the move.
The Cracks in the Wall: Migrants’ Stories from a Beirut of Borders and Conflict
Sonia Caballero Pradas
Abstract
Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, has long been divided into distinct quarters, a segregation deepened by the onset of the Israeli–Hezbollah war in October 2023. Relentless Israeli attacks on residential buildings, assumed to be hiding weapons or Hezbollah commanders, have displaced 1.2 million people and fuelled suspicion in host neighbourhoods, where Shi’ite tenants are shunned for fear of attracting violence. Sectarian divisions have reasserted themselves, reverting the city to a mosaic of enclaves marked by pictures and symbols of identity and separation. Amid this fractured landscape, migrant domestic workers (MDWs), an excluded community estimated to exceed 250,000 people in Lebanon, navigate these sectarian enclaves as outsiders, their experiences offering unique insights into Beirut’s identity-driven spatial politics.
This study seeks to uncover what the experiences of MDWs can reveal about the city’s spatial politics, looking into the cracks in the wall that allow them to exist, move, and challenge the space. Their perceptions of safety, visibility, and invisibility provide a compelling and unique lens for understanding an urban landscape shaped by entrenched sectarian divisions, ongoing armed conflict, and large-scale displacement, a viewpoint largely overlooked in existing scholarship. Grounded in Mikdashi’s Sextarianism (2022) and Ombagi’s queer urban logic (2018), this study uses participant observation and unstructured interviews and dialogues as methodology to examine sectarian quarters, red zones, and multicultural neighbourhoods. It pays particular attention to overlooked private spaces—subtle yet powerful sites of disruption within the city’s rigid framework. These spaces reveal the fluidity and transgressive potential of boundaries that often appear fixed, offering new insights into the dynamics of coexistence and resistance in Beirut’s contested urban landscape.
Beirut Entre Grietas y Fronteras: Historias Migrantes de una Ciudad Dividida y en Guerra
Sonia Caballero Pradas
Beirut, la capital del Líbano, ha estado históricamente dividida en barrios distintivos, una segregación que se ha profundizado con el estallido de la guerra entre Israel y Hezbolá en octubre de 2023. Los incesantes ataques israelíes contra edificios residenciales, acusados de albergar armas o comandantes de Hezbolá, han desplazado a 1,2 millones de personas y han avivado la desconfianza en los barrios de acogida, donde los inquilinos chiíes son rechazados por temor a atraer violencia. Las divisiones sectarias han resurgido, devolviendo a la ciudad su configuración de mosaico de enclaves marcados por imágenes y símbolos identitarios y separatistas. En este paisaje fracturado, las trabajadoras domésticas migrantes, una comunidad marginada de las que se estima superar las 250.000 personas en el Líbano, navegan por estos enclaves sectarios como forasteras, ofreciendo a través de sus experiencias perspectivas únicas sobre la política espacial de Beirut.
Este estudio busca desentrañar qué pueden revelar las vivencias de las trabajadoras domésticas migrantes sobre la espacialidad de la ciudad, explorando las grietas en el muro que les permiten existir, moverse y desafiar el espacio. Sus percepciones de seguridad, visibilidad e invisibilidad proporcionan una lente única y reveladora para comprender un paisaje urbano moldeado por profundas divisiones sectarias, conflictos armados en curso y desplazamientos a gran escala, un enfoque ampliamente ignorado en la literatura existente. Basado en el concepto de “sextarianismo” de Mikdashi (2022) y la lógica urbana queer de Ombagi (2018), este estudio emplea observación participante, entrevistas no estructuradas y diálogos como metodología para examinar barrios sectarios, zonas rojas y vecindarios multiculturales. Los espacios privados ignorados, sutiles pero poderosos, emergen no solo como hallazgos, sino como marcos de comprensión que retan interpretaciones populares de la ciudad. Estos lugares revelan la fluidez y el potencial transgresor de los límites que a menudo parecen inamovibles, ofreciendo nuevas perspectivas sobre las dinámicas de coexistencia y resistencia en el paisaje urbano disputado de Beirut.
شروخ في الجدار: قصص المهاجرين في نسيج بيروت الحضري
سونيا كاباييرو براداس
Sonia Caballero Pradas
لطالما كانت بيروت، عاصمة لبنان، مقسمة إلى أحياء متميزة، وهو واقع تفاقم مع اندلاع الحرب بين إسرائيل وحزب الله في أكتوبر ٢٠٢٣. فقد أدت الهجمات الإسرائيلية المتواصلة على المباني السكنية، التي يُشتبه في احتوائها على أسلحة أو قيادات من حزب الله، إلى نزوح ١.٢ مليون شخص، ما زاد من حدة الشكوك في الأحياء المضيفة، حيث يتم نبذ السكان الشيعة خوفًا من استقدام العنف. وقد أعادت هذه الحرب تفعيل الانقسامات الطائفية، مما جعل المدينة تعود إلى فسيفساء من المناطق المنفصلة التي تبرز فيها الصور والرموز الدالة على الهوية والانقسام. في خضم هذا المشهد الحضري المتشظي، يجد العمال والعاملات المنزليون المهاجرون، وهم مجتمع مهمّش يُقدَّر عدد أفراده بأكثر من ٢٥٠٠٠٠ شخص في لبنان، أنفسهم مضطرين إلى التنقل عبر هذه المناطق الطائفية بصفتهم غرباء، ما يمنحهم منظورًا فريدًا لفهم السياسة المكانية في بيروت.
يهدف هذا البحث إلى الكشف عما يمكن أن تكشفه تجارب العمال والعاملات المنزليين المهاجرين عن سياسات المكان في المدينة، من خلال النظر في “الشروخ في الجدار” التي تتيح لهم الوجود والحركة وتحدي الفضاء الحضري. إن إدراكهم لمفاهيم الأمان والظهور والاختفاء يوفر منظورًا فريدًا لفهم مشهد حضري يتشكّل بفعل الانقسامات الطائفية الراسخة، والصراع المسلح المستمر، والنزوح واسع النطاق، وهو منظور غالبًا ما يتم تجاهله في الدراسات السابقة. يعتمد هذا البحث على إطار نظري يستند إلى كتاب "الطائفية الجنسية" لمايا مكداشي (٢٠٢٢) ومنطق المدن الكويري لعمر أمباجي (٢٠١٨). كما يستخدم منهجية الملاحظة بالمشاركة والمقابلات والحوارات غير المنظمة لدراسة الأحياء الطائفية، والمناطق الحمراء، والأحياء متعددة الثقافات. ويركّز البحث بشكل خاص على المساحات الخاصة المهملة—وهي مواقع خفية لكنها قوية في إحداث اضطراب داخل الإطار الصلب للمدينة. تكشف هذه المساحات عن سيولة الحدود وإمكانياتها المتجاوزة، رغم أنها تبدو ثابتة، مما يقدّم رؤى جديدة حول ديناميكيات التعايش والمقاومة في المشهد الحضري المتنازع عليه في بيروت.
Violations of Migrant Children's Rights in Reception Centres: Highlighting Portugal's 'Invisible Children'
Camila Santos Barros Moura
Abstract
This report investigates the systemic violations of migrant children's rights in reception centres, focusing on a case study in Portugal. It uses participant observation during an internship to emphasise the neglect of children's fundamental rights, including access to recreation, education, nutrition, and sanitation. By using the theory of intersectionality and Paulo Freire's concepts of oppression, the report reveals how the double vulnerability of childhood and migrant status exacerbates marginalisation, invisibility, and systemic neglect. The research indicates that reception centres frequently fail to prioritise children's developmental needs, treating them as mere asylum seekers rather than individuals with unique identities and rights. Key violations include inadequate educational access, insufficient nutritional and sanitary conditions, and disregard for children's need for recreation and expression. These conditions perpetuate structural violence and prevent children from integrating into their host societies. The report calls for the transformation of reception centres into spaces of empowerment that promote dignity and holistic well-being. Recommendations in the report include implementing policies that address cross-sectoral vulnerabilities, guaranteeing access to education and adequate care, and promoting environments in which children's voices and rights are heard. This research highlights the urgency of systemic reform to protect and defend the rights of migrant children, ensuring that they are no longer made invisible.
A Reflection on the Voluntariness of Assisted Voluntary Return Schemes in Spain: The Case Study of AESCO
Angeles de Jesus Zuñiga Medina
Abstract
Migration, whether voluntary or forced, is a multifaceted phenomenon impacting individuals, families, and societies globally. Voluntary return programmes, often presented as compassionate and migrant-centred solutions, raise questions about the true voluntariness of participation. This paper explores the dynamics of voluntary return through a case study of AESCO (América, España, Solidaridad y Cooperación), a Spanish NGO facilitating such programmes, examined through the lens of Weber's concept of voluntariness. Drawing on firsthand observations and experiences during my internship, I employ self-reflexivity to critically assess the processes and ethical considerations surrounding AESCO’s voluntary return programmes. The case study highlights the practical and ethical challenges faced by AESCO, particularly the tension between the ideal of voluntariness and the realities of structural pressures faced by migrants. The analysis emphasises the importance of addressing conditions in countries of origin, as these significantly influence the success and sustainability of voluntary returns. As the findings reveal, voluntary return is often complex, including the potential for re-migration if initial returns fail to meet migrants’ needs or aspirations. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of voluntary return programmes, questioning their ethical dimension and advocating for more comprehensive approaches that prioritise migrant well-being and long-term reintegration.
The Everyday Politics of Self-Reliance: An Observational Study in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Anonymous
Abstract
In refugee contexts, particularly in protracted refugee situations, self-reliance is often cited as a guiding principle for interventions aimed at fostering independence and reducing dependency on aid. The publication of the 2005 UNHCR Handbook for Self-Reliance suggests an overall shift in the field that sees providing tools and skills, rather than direct assistance, as the pathway to help individuals sustain themselves and contribute to their communities. However, in real-life applications, this seemingly straightforward logic is belied with a complex interplay of power, governance, and lived realities. This study adopts a critical lens on the very notion of “self-reliance” and examines how self-reliance as a top-down imperative trickles down to the realities of refugees’ lives in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Through participant observations, it takes note of the ground-level social, cultural, and discursive realities shaping and shaped by the economic-centered framework of self-reliance.
Civilian protests during Insurgencies: An analysis of Government-Shaped Political Opportunity Structures
Abdullah Ammar
Abstract
This study explores the dynamics of civilian protests in government-controlled regions during insurgencies, with a focus on Afghanistan. Using Political Opportunity Structure Theory (POST), it examines how state policies, legal frameworks, and repression shape protest movements, influencing their ability to mobilise, sustain momentum, and achieve political objectives. The research explores critical questions: How do civilian protests emerge under government rule? Whom do they address? How successful are they? And how do they adapt following insurgent takeovers? Afghanistan presents a compelling case due to its history of governance transitions, where protests have unfolded amid state fragility, foreign intervention, and insurgent threats. This research analyses major protest movements between 2001 and 2021, including the Enlightenment Movement (Junbish-e Roshnayi), the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, and women-led demonstrations against restrictive policies. It highlights how political opportunity structures—such as state responsiveness, international visibility, and media coverage—have shaped the trajectory and effectiveness of these movements. Findings indicate that while government-controlled environments provide temporary space for protests, they also impose constraints through legal repression, selective co-optation, and security crackdowns. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 drastically altered these political opportunities, forcing movements underground, reshaping their strategies, or driving them to seek international support. Despite these adaptations, Afghan activists continue to face severe repression, digital surveillance, and waning global advocacy, limiting their capacity for sustained resistance. By offering a comparative analysis of protest movements under shifting political regimes, this study contributes to a broader understanding of civil resistance in conflict zones.
Towards Meaningful Participation: Locating Refugee Engagement in Integration Programmes in Lisbon An Exploratory Study
Benrashdie Ngo
Abstract
The research paper examines the level of refugee involvement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of integration programs provided by host organizations, with a focus on locating where the Portuguese Refugee Council (CPR) is when it comes to engaging refugees in its integration programs. It evaluates how well these programs meet refugees' needs and identifies barriers to their substantive participation in the programs’ cycle and provides ways forward. Using qualitative methods such as interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions, the study uncovers gaps in program design, including limited opportunities for refugees to contribute meaningfully and the absence of culturally sensitive approaches. The study suggests enhancing communication channels between refugees and service providers, increasing refugee representation in decision-making, and fostering more inclusive integration strategies by incorporating their feedback at every stage. Without addressing these gaps, the potential for meaningful refugee participation in integration efforts within CPR will remain limited, undermining the overall effectiveness of its programs.
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