Forced Migration

A note on Environmental refugees

by Amir Sokolowski

Environmental displacement is a hotly contested subject. Many theories and policies are suggested as the term grows in... more Environmental displacement is a hotly contested subject. Many theories and policies are suggested as the term grows in rights awarded and duties implied. this note comments on a coherence which could be improved through the use of a certain underlying conceptualization of Justice.

From Shelter to Housing: Security of Tenure and Integration in Protracted Displacement Settings

by Rhodri C Williams

Published as a Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Report

Many, and perhaps most, of the world’s displaced persons now find themselves in situations of protracted displacement... more Many, and perhaps most, of the world’s displaced persons now find themselves in situations of protracted displacement facing unresolved conflicts that rule out both restitution and voluntary return as a viable solution. Trapped in these circumstances, many are denied their fundamental right to security of tenure. This indefinitely perpetuates their vulnerability, violates their rights and reduces the likelihood that they have sufficient resilience or possibility to return home sustainably, should the opportunity arise, or to integrate locally. In most cases, they end up being displaced for a long and indefinite time.

Conscious of this growing trend, NRC commissioned this report analysing the importance of rights to housing, land and property (HLP) in providing more durable solutions for both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. The report deconstructs the current legal and policy framework and analyses how state and humanitarian agencies’ practices have to change to confront this growing challenge.

Displacement and statecraft in Iraq: Recent trends, older roots.

by Ali Ali

Published in the International Journal of Contemporary Iraqi Studies Volume 5 Issue 2 (2011).

This article discusses the relationship between state formation and refugees, linking statecraft - the 'art' of state... more This article discusses the relationship between state formation and refugees, linking statecraft - the 'art' of state building - and displacement in post-2003 Iraq. It uses the testimonies of displaced Iraqis now living in Syria to show how parties and militias in Iraq targeted specific groups, including religious minorities such as the Mandaeans. They created new forms of exclusion, forcing some communities to flee. In some cases, they compelled people to leave abruptly; in others, hostile forces gradually encroached upon the target groups. Some organizations had their origins in pre-2003 dynamics and were not the first in Iraq to use displacement as a means to implement a political design.

Missionaria o in pericolo di apostasia? Donne cattoliche e matrimoni misti nei dibattiti del Sant’Ufficio, in: Famiglia e religione nella prima eta` moderna. Saggi in onore di Silvana Seidel Menchi, Hg. Ciappelli, G., Luzzi, S., Rospocher, M. (Roma: Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura, 2011), 175-186.

by Cecilia Cristellon

Positive Energy: A Review of the Role of Artistic Activities in Refugee Camps

by Awet Andemicael

published by the United Nations High Commisisoner for Refugees Policy Development and Evaluation Service (UNHCR PDES)

Constructing the forced migrant and the politics of space and place-making

by Saskia Witteborn

Journal of Communication

Mobility is one of the defining concepts of globalization processes. For some migrants,
however, mobility is... more Mobility is one of the defining concepts of globalization processes. For some migrants,
however, mobility is restricted by international and national laws as well as sociopolitical
discourses, which regulate the migrant body and her ability to create social relations. Based
on interviews in asylum seeker accommodations in Germany, this study illustrates how
asylum seekers are spatially constructed and arrested through bureaucratic labeling and
assignment to heterotopias and as a discursive location of transience and difference. Those
processes freeze the forced migrant in place, in social and semiotic spaces, and position it
as a politicized discursive location. The positioning is indicative of monitoring the Other as
a symbol of threat to the nation in times of risk. Overall, the study illustrates the tensions
between transnational mobility and fixity and the intersections between globalization,
communication, social, legal, and political practice, and space/place-making.

Testimonio and spaces of risk: A forced migrant perspective

by Saskia Witteborn

Constructing the forced migrant and the politics of space and place-making

by Saskia Witteborn

Journal of Communication

Mobility is one of the defining concepts of globalization processes. For some migrants,
however, mobility is... more Mobility is one of the defining concepts of globalization processes. For some migrants,
however, mobility is restricted by international and national laws as well as sociopolitical
discourses, which regulate the migrant body and her ability to create social relations. Based
on interviews in asylum seeker accommodations in Germany, this study illustrates how
asylum seekers are spatially constructed and arrested through bureaucratic labeling and
assignment to heterotopias and as a discursive location of transience and difference. Those
processes freeze the forced migrant in place, in social and semiotic spaces, and position it
as a politicized discursive location. The positioning is indicative of monitoring the Other as
a symbol of threat to the nation in times of risk. Overall, the study illustrates the tensions
between transnational mobility and fixity and the intersections between globalization,
communication, social, legal, and political practice, and space/place-making.

Notes sur la captation de la main-d'oeuvre enfantine dans la région de Kayes, Mali (1904-1955)

by Marie Rodet

Journal des Africanistes, Tome 81, Fascicule 2, 2011, numéro thématique: Migration dans l'enfance, migrations de l'enfance, Regards pluridisciplinaires

Mots-clefs: Mali, Kayes, fin de l'esclavage, droit de tutelle, main-d'oeuvre enfantine, enfants confié-e-s, petites... more Mots-clefs: Mali, Kayes, fin de l'esclavage, droit de tutelle, main-d'oeuvre enfantine, enfants confié-e-s, petites bonnes, mise en gage


Keywords: Mali, Kayes, end of slavery, custody rights, children workforce, fostered children, pawnship

Mental health, employment and gender. Cross-sectional evidence in a sample of refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina living in two Swedish regions

by Karin Johansson Blight

Medical and licit drug use in an urban/rural study population with a refugee background, 7-8 years into resettlement Einnahme von Medikamenten und …

by Karin Johansson Blight

Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Mental Disorder among Refugees in Western Countries

by Karin Johansson Blight

Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Mental Disorder among Refugees in Western Countries

by Karin Johansson Blight

Children without a voice- Report on children with symptoms of severe depressivedevitalisation who have been refused asylum and protection in Sweden

by Karin Johansson Blight

Co-authors: Anita Dorazio, Eva Wilks and Elisabeth Hultcrantz

Published by: Etikkommissionen i Sverige- A Network for Human Rights in the Asylum Process

Year: 2012

The report is available in Swedish and English
ISBN 978-91-87163-01-2 (Printed version in Swedish)
ISBN 978-91-87163-02-9 (PDF in Swedish)
ISBN 978-91-87163-04-3 (PDF in English)

In brief the report concerns children who are suffering from depressive devitalisation (most often developed during... more In brief the report concerns children who are suffering from depressive devitalisation (most often developed during the period in Sweden)- a severe disabling condition including in severe stages complete loss of function, and who are increasingly being rejected on permission to stay, firstly on asylum and protection but since the summer 2011 also increasingly on impediments to enforcements at the last stages of appeal and thus face deportation. The report contains extracts from these decisions of refusal and it also shows that the children mostly belong to ethnic minorities known to be prosecuted in the countries the families have fled.

The preface presents a summary overview of historical policy and practice developments leading up to the report and is written by the ‘grand old man’ of knowledge about children with symptoms of severe depressive devitalisation Göran Bodegård, specialist in Child and Adolescent Medicine and Psychiatry.

The Politics of Repatriation in Europe

by Harris Mylonas

Paper prepared for presentation at the Council for European Studies Conference in Boston (March 22-24, 2012)

Correlates and Contexts of US Injection Drug Initiation Among Undocumented Mexican Migrant Men Who Were Deported from the United States

by Angela M Robertson

Robertson AM, Lozada R, Pollini RA, Rangel G, Ojeda VD. Correlates and Contexts of US Injection Drug Initiation Among Undocumented Mexican Migrant Men Who Were Deported from the United States. AIDS Behav. 2012 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Preventing the onset of injection drug use is important in controlling the spread of HIV and other blood borne... more Preventing the onset of injection drug use is important in controlling the spread of HIV and other blood borne infections. Undocumented migrants in the United States face social, economic, and legal stressors that may contribute to substance abuse. Little is known about undocumented migrants' drug abuse trajectories including injection initiation. To examine the correlates and contexts of US injection initiation among undocumented migrants, we administered quantitative surveys (N = 309) and qualitative interviews (N = 23) on migration and drug abuse experiences to deported male injection drug users in Tijuana, Mexico. US injection initiation was independently associated with ever using drugs in Mexico pre-migration, younger age at first US migration, and US incarceration. Participants' qualitative interviews contextualized quantitative findings and demonstrated the significance of social contexts surrounding US injection initiation experiences. HIV prevention programs may prevent/delay US injection initiation by addressing socio-economic and migration-related stressors experienced by undocumented migrants.

A qualitative view of drug use behaviors of Mexican male injection drug users deported from the United States

by Angela M Robertson

Ojeda VD, Robertson AM, Hiller SP, Lozada R, Cornelius W, Palinkas LA, Magis-Rodriguez C, Strathdee SA. J Urban Health. 2011 Feb;88(1):104-17.

Deportees are a hidden yet highly vulnerable and numerous population. Significantly, little data exists about the... more Deportees are a hidden yet highly vulnerable and numerous population. Significantly, little data exists about the substance use and deportation experiences of Mexicans deported from the United States. This pilot qualitative study describes illicit drug use behaviors among 24 Mexico-born male injection drug users (IDUs), ≥ 18 years old, residing in Tijuana, Mexico who self-identified as deportees from the United States. In-person interviews were conducted in Tijuana, Mexico in 2008. Content analysis of interview transcripts identified major themes in participants' experiences. Few participants had personal or family exposures to illicit drugs prior to their first U.S. migration. Participants reported numerous deportations. Social (i.e., friends/family, post-migration stressors) and environmental factors (e.g., drug availability) were perceived to contribute to substance use initiation in the U.S. Drugs consumed in the United States included marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and crack. More than half of men were IDUs prior to deportation. Addiction and justice system experiences reportedly contributed to deportation. After deportation, several men injected new drugs, primarily heroin or methamphetamine, or a combination of both drugs. Many men perceived an increase in their substance use after deportation and reported shame and loss of familial social and economic support. Early intervention is needed to stem illicit drug use in Mexican migrant youths. Binational cooperation around migrant health issues is warranted. Migrant-oriented programs may expand components that address mental health and drug use behaviors in an effort to reduce transmission of blood-borne infections. Special considerations are merited for substance users in correctional systems in the United States and Mexico, as well as substance users in United States immigration detention centers. The health status and health behaviors of deportees are likely to impact receiving Mexican communities. Programs that address health, social, and economic issues may aid deportees in resettling in Mexico.

Deportation Experiences of Women Who Inject Drugs in Tijuana, Mexico

by Angela M Robertson

Robertson AM, Lozada R, Vera A, Palinkas LA, Burgos JL, Magis-Rodriguez C, Rangel G, Ojeda VD. Deportation Experiences of Women Who Inject Drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. Qual Health Res. 2011 Sep 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Deportation from the United States for drug offenses is common, yet the consequences of deportation for women drug... more Deportation from the United States for drug offenses is common, yet the consequences of deportation for women drug users are poorly documented. In 2008, in Tijuana, Mexico, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study of migration, deportation, and drug abuse by interviewing 12 Mexican injection-drug-using women reporting U.S. deportation. Women reported heavy drug use before and after deportation, but greater financial instability and physical danger following deportation than when living in the United States. We identified an unmet need for health and social services among deported drug-using women, including HIV prevention, drug treatment, physical and mental health services, and vocational training. Binational coordination is needed to help deported women resettle in Mexico.

Male injection drug users try new drugs following US deportation to Tijuana, Mexico

by Angela M Robertson

Robertson AM, Rangel MG, Lozada R, Vera A, Ojeda VD. Male injection drug users try new drugs following U.S. deportation to Tijuana, Mexico. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2011 Aug 9. [Epub ahead of print]

BACKGROUND: Among male injection drug users (IDUs) in Tijuana, Mexico, U.S. deportation is associated with HIV... more BACKGROUND: Among male injection drug users (IDUs) in Tijuana, Mexico, U.S. deportation is associated with HIV transmission. Changing drug use behaviors following deportation, including the use of new drugs, may increase HIV risk but are understudied. We identify correlates of trying new drugs following male IDUs' most recent U.S. deportation to Mexico. METHODS: In 2010, we recruited 328 deported male IDUs in Tijuana, Mexico. Questionnaires collected retrospective data on drug use and other HIV risk behaviors throughout migratory events. Logistic regression identified correlates of trying new drugs/combinations following their most recent deportations. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. RESULTS: Nearly one in six men (n=52, 16%) tried new drugs following their most recent deportation, including heroin (n=31), methamphetamine (n=5), and heroin/methamphetamine combined (n=17). Trying new drugs following deportation was independently associated with U.S. incarceration (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.96; 95% confidence interval [C.I.] 1.78, 8.84), increasing numbers of U.S. deportations (AOR=1.11 per deportation; C.I. 1.03, 1.20), feeling sad following deportation (AOR 2.69; C.I. 1.41, 5.14), and perceiving that one's current lifestyle increases HIV/AIDS risk (AOR 3.91; C.I. 2.05, 7.44). CONCLUSIONS:Trying new drugs following U.S. deportation may be related to the unique contexts and stressors experienced by drug-abusing migrants as they attempt to reestablish their lives in Mexico. Findings imply an unmet need for health and social programs to alleviate pre- and post-deportation stressors faced by undocumented and return migrants in the U.S.-Mexico conte

The Canadian feasibility study of the Three Gorges Dam proposed for China's Yangzi River: A grave embarrassment to the impact assessment profession.

by Philip Fearnside

Fearnside, P.M. 1994.  The Canadian feasibility study of the Three Gorges Dam proposed for China's Yangzi River: A grave embarrassment to the impact assessment profession. Impact Assessment 12(1): 21-57.

Earlier version:
Fearnside, P.M. 1993.  Resettlement Plans for China's Three Gorges Dam. pp. 34-58, 171-173 In: M. Barber and G. Ryder (eds.) Damming the Three Gorges, Second Edition. Probe International/ Earthscan, Toronto, Canada. 183 pp.
http://www.threegorgesprobe.org/pi/documents/three_gorges/Damming3G/ch03.html