Turkish-Greek Relations and Irregular Migration at the Southeasternmost Borders of the EU: The 2020 Pazarkule Case

In late February 2020, Turkish authorities declared that they would not avoid refugees who wanted to exit to Europe as a result of which Edirne faced another, this time massive, refugee movement in its history. Eventually, the flocking of hundreds and thousands of desperate people for the purpose of crossing to the European Union (EU) turned into a situation in which Turkey, Greece as well as the European Union involved. This paper investigates the Pazarkule case by analysing foreign policy concerns of both Greece and Turkey. It holds this foreign policy-migration nexus behind Turkey’s as well as Greece’s policy responses and introduces a comparative study by analysing both Greek and Turkish official discourse and sources. This research argues that although Turkey’s and Greece’s refugee policy responses seem to be quite different, they actually have similar aims. That is, both countries use their strategic relations with the EU for their own foreign policy concerns by underlining their foremost importance for the Union in terms refugees trying to make their way to Europe.

The False Promise of Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016?

In this Introduction, Indonesia’s approach towards refugee protection is contextualized historically and regionally in light of the enactment of Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 concerning the Treatment of Refugees (PR). In particular, we describe the legal and policy framework for refugee protection in Indonesia and analyze its underlying norms and values, including the constitutional right to asylum. We explain how the legal framework competes with Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which facilitates a discretionary, securitized, and ‘humanitarian’ approach to refugee policy, which is inconsistent with Indonesia’s legal responsibilities. In conclusion, we assess both the challenges and opportunities provided by the PR.

Judge Not: Don’t let disagreements lead to disdain

“I’m all for helping refugees, but some cultures just don’t fit with the American way of life.” So said my airplane seatmate a few years ago. He and I were in a heated discussion—should the United States admit more refugees from war-ravaged Syria? As someone who has done research on how forcibly displaced populations cope with the impact of political violence, I had strong views on the topic. Of course, a degree in psychology does not make me a specialist in the complexities of refugee policy in my adopted country. I couldn’t rattle off statistics or deeply informed analyses of resettlement issues. Yet my first instinct when hearing my seatmate’s claim was to challenge him. And, in the back of my mind, to judge him.

‘Some Refugees Move because the Health Facilities in the Settlement are not Good’: A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Movement of Somali Refugees from Nakivale Settlement to Kampala City

Background: There is a growing number of urban refugees that may necessitate local government and humanitarian organizations to factor in when planning for the urban infrastructure as this has proved to be a planning blind spot. This study assessed factors influencing Somali refugee movement from Nakivale refugee settlement to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Methods: Six key informant interviews were held with the Principle Protection Officer-OPM, Legal Coordinator-NRC, Manager Access to Justice Program-RLP, Psychosocial Counsellor-JRS, Somali elder Nakivale settlement and the Chairperson-SCK. Three focus group discussions were conducted with one group of male and two groups of female Somali refugees. Transcripts were managed using Atlas ti version 7 (ATLAS. Ti GmbH, Berlin). Results: The need for better basic needs such as food, water, health care, education, employment, a better quality life and difficulties related to having a language barrier emerged in the first theme. Movement due to political and cultural persecution emerged as a combined theme of security. The need for better economic benefits, livelihood support and an enabling refugee policy were influencers. The study also revealed that Somali refugees are a well-knit society with a robust communication network that relies on Islamic religion and country background in exploiting connections that enable those who move from Nakivale settlement to quickly adapt to the situation in Kampala.Conclusion: Somali movement from Nakivale refugee settlement to Kampala is influenced by a need for better basic needs and security; economic benefits, livelihood support and an enabling refugee policy which guarantees freedom of movement. A communication network based on religion and country background are facilitators.

The Role and Impact of Australian Refugee Policy in Asia-Pacific Region: From Australia-Cambodia Agreement to Rohingya Crisis

The issues of refugees has been a regional challenges that block the potential of Australia''s role in the Asia-Pacific. This article aims to discuss how Australian refugee policy influences its role in the Asia-Pacific Region. Therefore, this article will examine the background of Australia''s foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific region from a historical perspective, how Australia made its policy regarding refugees, and discuss some of the latest issues to illustrate how this policy affects Australia''s role in the Asia-Pacific, namely: the agreement with Cambodia (2014), the Manus Island crisis (2017) and Australia''s response to the Rohingya crisis (2017). The author argues that the dynamics of domestic politics in Australia affect Australia's policy towards refugees. In the final analysis, Australia has been trying to limit refugees due to the domestic fear in Australia towards refugees, which has an impact on Australian policy and its role in the Asia-Pacific region.

Peyi A Pwomet: The Experience of Haitian Refugee Claimants in Toronto

This study assesses the current Canadian refugee determination process and Canadian refugee policy by comparing it with the narrative experience of Haitian refugee claimants in Toronto, Canada. The analysis was guided by a critical anti-racist framework and forced migration theory. Qualitative research was conducted by interviewing five Haitian refugee claimants and a Haitian community leader, all living in Toronto. The research found that Haitian refugee claimants face a multitude of barriers when navigating through the refugee determination process. A socio-political history of Haiti is provided to contextualize the motivations and factors which have induced Haitian migration. This study is the first of its kind with regard to research focused specifically on the experience of Haitian refugee claimants in Canada and in particular Toronto. It contributes to the very limited existing research on Haitian refugees in Canada.

Peyi A Pwomet: The Experience of Haitian Refugee Claimants in Toronto

This study assesses the current Canadian refugee determination process and Canadian refugee policy by comparing it with the narrative experience of Haitian refugee claimants in Toronto, Canada. The analysis was guided by a critical anti-racist framework and forced migration theory. Qualitative research was conducted by interviewing five Haitian refugee claimants and a Haitian community leader, all living in Toronto. The research found that Haitian refugee claimants face a multitude of barriers when navigating through the refugee determination process. A socio-political history of Haiti is provided to contextualize the motivations and factors which have induced Haitian migration. This study is the first of its kind with regard to research focused specifically on the experience of Haitian refugee claimants in Canada and in particular Toronto. It contributes to the very limited existing research on Haitian refugees in Canada.