Introduction

Forced migration is one of the defining humanitarian issues of the 21st century. With the rising impacts of conflict, persecution, climate change, and human rights violations, millions of people are being displaced globally. This 5-day course offers in-depth insights into the causes, effects, and responses to forced migration, focusing on the needs and rights of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, policy analysis, and practical tools, participants will gain the skills needed to work effectively in this field and contribute to solutions that prioritize the dignity, rights, and well-being of displaced populations.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Understand the Drivers of Forced Migration: Analyze the key political, social, environmental, and economic factors driving forced migration and displacement.
2. Examine Refugee and IDP Rights: Learn about international legal frameworks, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, and the protection of refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs.
3. Master Humanitarian Responses: Gain skills to design, implement, and evaluate humanitarian interventions for displaced populations.
4. Engage with Migration Policy and Advocacy: Understand the policy landscape surrounding forced migration and how to engage with national and international actors.
5. Evaluate the Role of Technology and Innovation: Investigate how technology is transforming forced migration responses, including digital documentation and the use of big data.
6. Address Emerging Trends: Prepare for emerging challenges such as climate-induced displacement, urban migration, and the role of non-state actors.
7. Develop Strategies for Sustainable Solutions: Learn to integrate resilience and long-term solutions into humanitarian programs to ensure the sustainable reintegration of displaced populations.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Humanitarian Practitioners working in refugee camps, conflict zones, and areas with significant displacement.
• NGO and INGO Staff involved in the protection, assistance, and resettlement of displaced persons.
• Government Officials responsible for migration and asylum policies.
• Researchers and Academics in the fields of migration, international relations, and refugee studies.
• Legal Advisors focusing on human rights, refugee law, and international protection.
• Donors and International Organizations interested in forced migration and refugee issues.
• Field Workers engaged in emergency relief and refugee resettlement programs.

Course Outline

Day 1: Understanding Forced Migration and Displacement

• Morning Session: The Scope of Forced Migration
  • Defining forced migration: Refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless persons.
  • Understanding the global scale and patterns of displacement.
  • Key factors driving forced migration: Conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and environmental factors (climate change).
• Afternoon Session: The Refugee and IDP Experience
  • The impact of displacement on individuals and communities.
  • Psychological and social challenges faced by refugees and IDPs.
  • Case studies of forced migration crises: Syria, South Sudan, and Rohingya.

Day 2: Legal Frameworks and International Protection

• Morning Session: International Refugee Law
  • Overview of international legal instruments: The 1951 Refugee Convention, OAU Convention, and Protocol on IDPs.
  • Key principles of refugee protection: Non-refoulement, asylum, and access to basic rights.
  • The role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international actors.
• Afternoon Session: National and Regional Legal Frameworks
  • The intersection of international and national refugee policies.
  • The role of host countries in providing asylum and protection.
  • Regional responses to forced migration: The EU’s Common European Asylum System (CEAS), African Union (AU) frameworks, and ASEAN policies.

Day 3: Humanitarian Response and Solutions for Displaced Populations

• Morning Session: Humanitarian Needs Assessment and Response
  • Understanding the humanitarian needs of refugees and IDPs: Shelter, food, healthcare, education, and protection.
  • Designing and implementing humanitarian interventions.
  • Key humanitarian principles: Neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
• Afternoon Session: Durable Solutions and Resettlement
  • The search for durable solutions: Voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.
  • Understanding the challenges and opportunities in refugee resettlement programs.
  • Case studies: Successful resettlement programs and lessons learned (e.g., Canada’s refugee resettlement model, Germany’s integration efforts).

Day 4: Policy, Advocacy, and the Role of Technology in Forced Migration

• Morning Session: Migration Policy and Advocacy
  • Analyzing the political and policy frameworks that shape forced migration responses.
  • Advocacy strategies for influencing national and international migration policies.
  • The role of civil society in forced migration advocacy.
• Afternoon Session: Technology, Data, and Innovation in Forced Migration
  • The use of digital identity solutions, biometric systems, and online asylum applications.
  • Big data and migration management: Predicting displacement trends, monitoring refugee movements.
  • The role of blockchain and mobile technology in improving access to services for displaced populations.

Day 5: Emerging Trends and Sustainable Solutions for Forced Migration

• Morning Session: Climate Change and Migration
  • Understanding the link between climate change and displacement: Climate refugees and environmental migration.
  • Legal and policy considerations for climate-induced displacement.
  • Case study: The Pacific Islands and Bangladesh’s climate migration.
• Afternoon Session: Building Resilience and Long-Term Solutions
  • Approaches to long-term reintegration and community development for returning refugees and IDPs.
  • The role of development actors in addressing the root causes of displacement.
  • Future challenges: Urban migration, changing political dynamics, and the role of non-state actors.
  • Closing discussion: Creating sustainable solutions for a world in flux.