Refugee Survey Quarterly - current issue

Foreword

Chetail, V. — 2009-06-29

Introduction: Integrating Displacement in Peace Processes and Peacebuilding

Koser, K. — 2009-06-29

Refugees and the Regional Dynamics of Peacebuilding

Milner, J. — 2009-06-29

This article examines the relationship between refugees and the regional dynamics of peacebuilding. It argues that recent approaches to peacebuilding have adopted a narrow understanding of conflict. The article outlines the links between protracted refugee situations and regional insecurity to argue that the relationship between peacebuilding and refugees goes beyond repatriation. Instead, the presence of "spoilers" within the refugee-populated areas, the potential for early and forced repatriation, and the politicization of refugees while in exile have all the proven potential to undermine peacebuilding efforts, while the experience of exile may enable refugees to contribute to the peacebuilding process.

Peace Processes and IDP Solutions

Fagen, P. W. — 2009-06-29

The forcible uprooting of people is an inevitable consequence of armed conflict. The processes by which peace agreements are negotiated and implemented will determine whether and under what conditions internally displaced persons (IDPs) will return home or whether other solutions will be necessary or possible. If countries newly emerging from conflict are able to find durable solutions for IDPs and other war-affected populations, it is a significant bellwether for the success of the overall peace process. IDP concerns arise most visibly in the humanitarian practices of government and insurgent parties prior to the conclusion of an overall peace agreement. Subsequently, the language in peace agreements about procedures for refugee returns also encompasses IDP questions. Over the long term, the integration of IDPs depends on the local, regional, and national implementation of agreed principles. International monitoring of local implementation is weak at best.

PeaceBuilding and Displacement in Northern Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study of Intentions to Move and Attitudes towards Former Combatants

Vinck, P., Pham, P. — 2009-06-29

Using data from a cross-sectional survey of internally displaced populations in northern Uganda, this article analyses individual-level determinants of attitudes toward peacebuilding processes, including returning home and the reintegration of former combatants. We find that perceptions of social services and livelihood opportunities at the current place of living and at return or resettlement sites influence individuals’ decisions to move as do attitudes toward former combatants. Furthermore, we show that internally displaced persons are a specific group with needs and attitudes that differ from those of others. Such empirical information must be taken into account for the successful development and implementation of peace and reconstruction programmes.

Giving Peace a Chance: Displacement and Rule of Law During Peacebuilding

Feller, E. — 2009-06-29

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) works increasingly in societies where conflict or human rights violations of massive proportions have very much relativized the notion of rule of law. These are situations in which the basic components of the machinery of protection and justice simply do not exist, or where they do exist, have lost their legitimacy. In terms of practical outcomes for their persecuted, attacked, or terrorized populations, the relevance of rule of law has to be painfully reconstructed, institution by institution, law by law, and capacity by capacity. UNHCR contributes to this effort, because it can make the difference between solutions or protracted exile for refugees, and if refugee issues go unresolved, the prospects for real and lasting peace are much diminished. The article gives a brief overview of recent developments in this area, examines the challenges the UNHCR faces, stresses the importance of prioritizing the reestablishment of the rule of law, and outlines some lessons learned. Particular challenges include competing justice systems, the tensions between "top down" and "bottom up" approaches, and the issues of land rights and the fight against impunity.

Peacebuilding through the Electoral Participation of Displaced Populations

Grace, J., Mooney, E. D. — 2009-06-29

The participation of displaced populations in elections organized as part of a peacebuilding process is increasingly recognized as fundamental to the goal of peacebuilding itself. Guarantees for their electoral participation are important, first and foremost, as a matter of rights. They also are critical for the legitimacy of the election and its results, and thus for national and regional stability. However, translating these provisions into practice can be a complex task, which requires addressing a range of legal, administrative, practical, and political issues. This article explores the relationship between peacebuilding and the electoral participation of displaced populations, arguing that it is not possible to build peace when exclusion is de jure or de facto built into the process.

Putting Peace to the Vote: Displaced Persons and a Future Referendum on Nagorno-Karabakh

Johansson, P. — 2009-06-29

Fifteen years after the war over Nagorno-Karabakh, the conflict remains unresolved, and Azerbaijan remains host to one of the world's largest per capita populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Current plans for a settlement of the conflict envision a crucial role for these IDPs, by proposing their return and participation in a referendum to decide the future status of the disputed territory. This article outlines several issues that need to be considered when arranging for such a referendum: what territory will the referendum concern, who will be eligible to vote, what options will voters choose among, and how will the results be determined? These issues arise from previous experiences of peace processes that provided for referenda. In conclusion, the article argues that the referendum be arranged in such a way as to increase uncertainty about the outcome, rather than gearing it towards one that seeks to confirm and legitimize a solution negotiated by governments.

Top United Nations Peacebuilders and Advocacy for Women, Peace, and Security

Tinde, G. T. — 2009-06-29

A strong correlation between the sex of United Nations (UN) peace operation managers and their advocacy for the role of women in peacebuilding was found in an internet study carried out in May 2008. Senior female UN managers involved in peace processes are ten times more likely than male colleagues publicly to address women's roles as peacebuilders, yet of the sixty-six Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG), Deputy Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG), and Special Envoys addressing peacebuilding who were listed on the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) web site in May 2008, only six were women. In view of the large numbers of women who become refugees or are internally displaced due to armed conflict, it is paramount that peace processes include them at all levels and in all aspects on an equal footing with men. Appointing more women to senior level positions in the UN is one way to achieve this aim.

Internal Displacement and Peacebuilding: Institutional Responses

O'Neill, W. — 2009-06-29

Addressing the needs and respecting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is not only a humanitarian and human rights issue, but also a strategic one affecting both international peace and security and the prospects for sustainable development. This article explores the conceptual linkages between internal displacement and peacebuilding, focusing on the ways in which addressing the concerns and needs of IDPs can contribute to sustainable peace. The second half of the article looks at institutional responses to the challenge of integrating internal displacement into peacebuilding, with a particular focus on the potential role of the new UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).

Documents

2009-06-29

UNHCR Executive Committee, Conclusion No. 101 (LV) - 2004 - Legal Safety Issues in the Context of Voluntary Repatriation of Refugees

2009-06-29

Statement by Mr Antonio Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to the United Nations Security Council, New York, 8 January 2009

2009-06-29

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) Women, Peace and Security Adopted by the Security Council at its 4213th Meeting on 31 October 2000

2009-06-29

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008) Women, Peace and Security Adopted by the Security Council at its 5916th Meeting on 19 June 2008

2009-06-29

UNHCR Policy Framework and Implementation Strategy: UNHCR's Role in Support of the Return and Reintegration of Displaced Populations: August 2008

2009-06-29

Vincent Chetail (ed.), Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: A Lexicon

Koser, K. — 2009-06-29

Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, Women Building Peace: What They Do, Why It Matters

Nerland, K., Ollek, M. — 2009-06-29