Project on the Forced Displaced:
The crisis of forced displacement has grown dramatically in the 21st century but remains alarmingly absent from global discussion. This initiative seeks to spotlight the issue, emphasizing the importance of International Humanitarian Law in addressing it. Join us as we delve into the root causes, consequences, and possible solutions to advocate for the rights of the forced displaced.
Forced Displaced:
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
Recent BCFA Speakers on the Discussion:
Jeremy Konyndyk
April 4, 2024
Gaza, Ukraine, and the Rising Tide of Refugees: Is the Refugee Convention Fit for the 21st Century?
Corinne Griffe
August 23, 2022
An Aid Program for Countries At The Edge of Chaos
Jennica Larrison
May 17, 2023
Humanitarian Negligence: Turning A Blind Eye to The Forced Migration Catastrophe
Dermot Groome
April 11, 2023
Closing the Impunity Gap for War Crimes in Ukraine
Forced Displaced Project Readings:
Other Readings:
UN rebukes Suella Braverman over her attack on refugee convention – The Guardian, 09/26/23
Q&A: What Does the New ACLED Conflict Index Reveal About Global Political Violence? – ACLED, 9/26/23
110M people displaced is a wake-up call on World Refugee Day – IRC, 6/20/23
World Refugee Day: Five New CGD Findings To Know – CGD, 06/20/23
110 million people displaced around the world: get the facts – IRC, 6/13/23
Ukraine: Europe’s largest displacement crisis in decades – IRC, 4/10/23
Forced Migration in International Relations Module POLM161 for 2022/3 – University of Exeter
World Refugee Day: Five Things We’re Watching in 2022 – CGD, 06/16/22
100 million people displaced around the world: what you need to know – IRC, 6/14/22
IRC response to 100 million people displaced globally – IRC, 5/23/22
70 years later, the UN refugee convention faces steep challenges – Info Migrants, 7/28/21
The UN Refugee Convention at 70 and Rights for Displaced People Today – Refugees International, 07/27/21
Meeting the moment: 70 years after the Refugee Convention, how the EU and the US can renew humanitarian leadership – IRC, 7/2021
Inter-State Dialogue on Internal Displacement: Promoting Global Platforms? – GCRF, 08/2020
Durable Solutions for IDPs – UN, 08/2020
UNHCR: Global Situations
In Pursuit of the Possible: Addressing Population Flows in the Americas - Remarks by Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees at Georgetown University, 6/3/24
The nightmare of Gaza (Opinion by UN OCHA staff member) – Al Jazeera (07/07/2024)
Nearly 120 million people were displaced around the world in 2023, UNHCR report says – NPR 06/13/2024
Forced displacement: refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs) - European Commission 2024
UNHCR warns against apathy and inaction amid spike in forced displacement - UNHCR 6/13/2024
Sudan Conflict Fuels World’s Largest Internal Displacement - 1/31/2024
- UN rebukes Suella Braverman over her attack on refugee convention – The Guardian, 09/26/23
- Q&A: What Does the New ACLED Conflict Index Reveal About Global Political Violence? – ACLED, 9/26/23
- 110M people displaced is a wake-up call on World Refugee Day – IRC, 6/20/23
- World Refugee Day: Five New CGD Findings To Know – CGD, 06/20/23
- 110 million people displaced around the world: get the facts – IRC, 6/13/23
- Ukraine: Europe’s largest displacement crisis in decades – IRC, 4/10/23
- 2023 Global Report on Internal Displacement – iDMC, 2023
- Forced Migration in International Relations Module POLM161 for 2022/3 – University of Exeter
- World Refugee Day: Five Things We’re Watching in 2022 – CGD, 06/16/22
- 100 million people displaced around the world: what you need to know – IRC, 6/14/22
- IRC response to 100 million people displaced globally – IRC, 5/23/22
- 70 years later, the UN refugee convention faces steep challenges – Info Migrants, 7/28/21
- The UN Refugee Convention at 70 and Rights for Displaced People Today – Refugees International, 07/27/21
- Meeting the moment: 70 years after the Refugee Convention, how the EU and the US can renew humanitarian leadership – IRC, 7/2021
- Experts issue “urgent call” for new international forum to help people displaced within their own country – University of Exeter, 6/29/21
- Inter-State Dialogue on Internal Displacement: Promoting Global Platforms? – GCRF, 08/2020
- Durable Solutions for IDPs – UN, 08/2020
- Forced to flee: A multi-disciplinary conference on internal displacement, migration and refugee crises – ICRC, 11/8/16