Destination: Europe (Forced Migration Review 51)

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Europe is experiencing the mass movements of displaced people in a way that it has largely been immune from for decades. The manifestations of the 'migration crisis' are as disparate as the building of fences to stop people crossing normally peaceful borders, the deaths of people transported by smug…

Oxford University


    • Dec 19, 2015 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from Destination: Europe (Forced Migration Review 51)

    FMR 51 - From the Editors

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 3:45


    Europe is experiencing the mass movements of displaced people in a way that it has largely been immune from for decades. Europe is experiencing the mass movements of displaced people in a way that it has largely been immune from for decades. The ramifications and manifestations of what is being called a ‘crisis’ are extensive, intersecting with national as well as pan-European politics, existing economic problems, xenophobia, fear of terror attacks, and much more. This crisis, in effect, seems to dwarf in scale and complexity any other crisis that Europe has faced since the end of the Second World War. The manifestations are as disparate as the building of fences to stop people crossing normally peaceful borders, the deaths of people transported by smugglers in unseaworthy boats, EU political leaders bickering over a Common European Asylum System and the numbers they will or will not allow into their respective countries, and contentious responses to the disaster that continues to unfold in Syria. Alongside this we also see an upsurge of grass-roots compassion, solidarity and assistance to the displaced and others whose human suffering on a grand scale in and around Europe constitutes the reality behind the ‘crisis’. In this issue of FMR, authors throw legal, practical, moral and experiential light on a variety of the multifarious issues and manifestations that make up this ‘migration crisis’. We would like to thank Liz Collett of the Migration Policy Institute Europe, Madeline Garlick of UNHCR, Cathryn Costello of the Refugee Studies Centre, and Richard Williams for their assistance as advisors on the feature theme of this issue. We are also grateful to the International Organization for Migration, the Open Society Foundations and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs for their financial support of the issue. We are also including with copies of this magazine a short readers survey. We are asking you to help us understand how you access FMR – in print and/or online – so that we can continue to adapt the ways in which we provide it for your use and interest. We would be very grateful if you would complete and return it, or complete it online at www.fmreview.org/readers-survey2016 Marion Couldrey, Maurice Herson

    FMR 51 - Foreword: Banking on mobility over a generation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 4:39


    Europe need not renounce its freedom of movement: it should instead develop a better controlled mobility regime. It would then, in effect, much better control its borders.

    FMR 51 - Migrants, refugees, history and precedents

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 6:05


    There is much about earlier migration crises that today’s European policymakers might profitably recall.

    FMR 51 - Refugee protection in Europe: time for a major overhaul?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 11:53


    A number of myths surrounding refugee protection may obscure our understanding and complicate the search for solutions, but there are also clear and realistic possibilities for change in the EU’s body of law to enable better outcomes for states & refugees

    FMR 51 - Simplifying refugee status determination

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 1:54


    There is a persuasive case to be made for simplifying refugee status determination in the European Union.

    FMR 51 - Arrivals on the island of Lesbos, summer 2015

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 4:36


    Lesbos, population 85,000, received more than 85,000 refugees and migrants in 2015 up to the end of August.

    FMR 51 - It need not be like this

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 9:38


    Creating space for smugglers and failing to provide humanitarian assistance are European failures. Opening legal routes to Europe could deal with both.

    FMR 51 - The Mediterranean challenge within a world of humanitarian crises

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:49


    While the high number of migrants and refugees arriving in Europe in 2015 has increased pressures and tensions, this is not a crisis beyond the capability of Europe to manage together as a Union. While the high number of migrants and refugees arriving in Europe in 2015 has increased pressures and tensions, this is not a crisis beyond the capability of Europe to manage together as a Union. We need bold, collective thinking and action to develop a truly comprehensive approach.

    FMR 51 - A network of camps on the way to Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 7:15


    While makeshift camps, such as those that have proliferated around Europe, may form spaces of resourcefulness and agency which cannot be accommodated in state-run detention camps, none of these temporary spaces is a definitive solution.

    FMR 51 - Trickery in Dublin’s shadow

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:47


    Border practices at the Italy-Austria border are part of a wider trend of questionable practices used by EU Member States which render irrelevant both the Schengen Agreement and the Dublin Regulation.

    FMR 51 - Abuses at Europe’s borders

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 12:15


    Refugees and migrants have been regularly subjected to widespread rights violations by officials at some European borders. The EU needs to allow more legal avenues for people seeking protection to reach Europe safely.

    FMR 51 - Melilla: mirage en route to Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:49


    Among those who have reached Melilla, there seems to be no consensus as to whether they see themselves as being in transit in Europe or still in Africa.

    FMR 51 - Search and rescue in the central Mediterranean

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:53


    Although people are aware of the risks of the sea crossing, nothing can really prepare them for the experience.

    FMR 51 - Safety, rescue at sea and legal access

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 6:46


    If it is to live up to its own values, the EU needs to step up search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean and open up legal means for access to protection in Europe in order to avoid the need for risky journeys across the Mediterranean.

    FMR 51 - Migrant arrivals and deaths in the Mediterranean: what do the data really tell us?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:50


    The policy and media gaze focuses on numbers of migrant arrivals and deaths. There are problems in the data for both categories.

    FMR 51 - Irregular migration by sea

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 6:15


    Irregular migration by sea is not a solely Mediterranean phenomenon.

    FMR 51 - Afghan and Somali (post-)conflict migration to the EU

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 9:38


    There are invisible drivers of migration for Afghans and Somalis to Europe, caused by decades of conflict. Although officially considered as ‘post-conflict’, the reality is very different.

    FMR 51 - Understanding why Eritreans go to Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 6:52


    Why do Eritreans risk their lives on perilous journeys to Europe? Why they don’t stay in neighbouring countries where they could get safety and protection?

    FMR 51 - No option but Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 2:34


    Asylum seekers’ stories point to the need for effective protection for refugees and to facilitate greater opportunities to access it, both within Europe and beyond.

    FMR 51 - Iraqi refugee households in Jordan: the active search for solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:06


    For Iraqi refugees in Jordan the decision to leave for Europe is very much influenced by the experience of waiting in the region.

    FMR 51 - Tragedy on the way to Europe: a perspective from Africa

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 7:55


    As Europe grapples with the challenges of responding to the arival of large numbers of migrants, it is vital to keep in mind that the people involved have not left their homes and countries for no reason. Many of them would rather have stayed at home. As Europe grapples with the challenges of responding to the arival of large numbers of migrants, it is vital to keep in mind that the people involved have not left their homes and countries for no reason. Many of them would rather have stayed at home. In a sense, they were forced into migrating.

    FMR 51 - EU cooperation with third countries: rethinking concepts and investments

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 10:38


    Despite ‘externalising’ its immigration agenda, the EU has largely failed to develop a coherent and effective overall strategy, to the detriment of migrants and would-be asylum seekers.

    FMR 51 - The road more travelled? Onward movement of asylum seekers and refugees

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 9:44


    The phenomenon of onward movement creates formidable challenges for states, asylum seekers and refugees, and the international protection system as a whole.

    FMR 51 - European Union readmission agreements

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 10:16


    The use of readmission agreements has prompted a debate on their compliance with international law, in particular the provisions on protection for refugees and asylum seekers.

    FMR 51 - A coast-guard officer’s perspective: reinforcing migration through legal channels

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:16


    Given that we cannot always rescue refugees or economic migrants in danger at the EU’s maritime borders, efforts are needed to reinforce legal channels for migration to Europe and to prevent refugees and migrants being exploited by criminal networks.

    FMR 51 - The extra-territorial processing of asylum claims

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 10:12


    Calls for the creation of asylum processing centres outside the EU are being renewed. But significant objections and obstacles remain.

    FMR 51 - Refugees in Serbia: on the way to a better life

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 6:39


    More than 450,000 people passed through Serbia from the beginning of 2015 until the middle of November. However, even in 2014 the numbers were large, and growing.

    FMR 51 - Passing through Greece

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 2:19


    The eagerness of refugees and migrants to leave Greece and travel to other European countries is quite evident.

    FMR 51 - Bulgaria’s struggle at the frontline

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:24


    Bulgaria has struggled to deal appropriately with mass irregular migration. It has also failed to address integration.

    FMR 51 - Protecting asylum seekers in mixed flows: lessons from Bulgaria

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 4:02


    In the context of a large number of arrivals, states may introduce blanket measures aimed at preventing irregular migration. These, however, may curtail the rights of asylum seekers.

    FMR 51 - Envisioning a Common European Asylum System

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 12:35


    A bolder approach is needed if the European Union is to overcome fragmentation and manage refugee movements effectively and in accordance with international obligations. A bolder approach is needed if the European Union is to overcome fragmentation and manage refugee movements effectively and in accordance with international obligations. Imaginative moves in this direction could also advance the global refugee protection regime.

    FMR 51 - Are asylum and immigration really a European Union issue?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:55


    Attempts to find an EU-wide solution to asylum may be preventing the finding of workable solutions at the bi-lateral or national level.

    FMR 51 - Social protection: a fourth durable solution?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:53


    Although asylum seekers and refugees in Europe and in Latin America are very different in terms of numbers, a solution being implemented by Brazil and Ecuador may show the European Union a way forward on sharing the responsibility within a regional bloc.

    FMR 51 - In search of fairness in responsibility sharing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:58


    The cycle of mutual mistrust between EU Member States that prevents solidarity can only be broken if responsibility is assessed fairly on the basis of objective indicators.

    FMR 51 - Volunteers and asylum seekers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:13


    People in communities where asylum seekers and refugees have appeared offered various forms of support to the new arrivals as states failed to provide even the essentials.

    FMR 51 - A welcoming policy in post-socialist East Germany

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 6:38


    Apparently, East European countries are less willing to accept refugees than other European countries. Their experience of ethnic and cultural diversity is weak and a genuine welcome has still to be developed.

    FMR 51 - Migration terminology matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:06


    Failure to employ correct terminology has consequences beyond semantics. More efforts are needed to educate people – especially those whose words are widely disseminated – in the correct use of migration-related terminology.

    FMR 51 - Separated and unaccompanied children in the EU

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 10:31


    A growing body of EU law, policy and practical measures address the situation of separated and unaccompanied children who arrive in the EU.

    FMR 51 - Ukrainian asylum seekers and a Polish immigration paradox

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 11:04


    The recognition rate for Ukrainian asylum seekers in Poland remains at an extremely low level, with the concept of ‘internal flight alternative’ serving as the legal basis for rejection of many asylum applications.

    FMR 51 - Removing ‘non-removables’

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:50


    EU law and policy on non-removable irregular immigrants – such as unsuccessful asylum seekers who cannot be returned to their country of origin – have political and humanitarian consequences.

    FMR 51 - Europe, don’t copy Australia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 5:20


    Praise for Australia’s policy of turning away asylum seekers is misguided.

    FMR 51 - Europe and the future of international refugee policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 9:54


    There is new thinking – that European leaders should embrace – on how to promote long-term responses to the Syrian refugee crisis that protect and uphold human dignity. There is new thinking – that European leaders should embrace – on how to promote long-term responses to the Syrian refugee crisis that protect and uphold human dignity, and that constitute more sustainable and beneficial solutions in refugee-receiving states in the West Asia – North Africa region.

    FMR 51 - Choice and preference in a matching market for refugees

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 8:44


    We propose a system that will at the same time give refugees choices and states control by ‘matching’ the preferences of each to the other’s.

    FMR 51 - Legal and practical issues raised by the movement of people across the Mediterranean

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 9:12


    States must deal with each other on a basis of equity and equality, rather than outmoded and unrealistic expectations of sovereign entitlement The movement of people is a phenomenon we must learn to live with and to manage as best we can in the interests of all. Among other matters, this will require states dealing with each other on a basis of equity and equality, rather than outmoded and unrealistic expectations of sovereign entitlement.

    FMR 51 - From Syria to Brazil

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2015 4:58


    Precisely because of the difficulties Syrians face in entering the EU, Brazil has opened up to them.

    FMR 51 General - Economic reintegration of returnees in Liberia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2015 10:03


    Since the early 2000s, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization has been implementing economic recovery programmes for returnees in certain post-conflict countries. Since the early 2000s, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization has been implementing economic recovery programmes for returnees in certain post-conflict countries. It remains uncertain, however, to what extent these training programmes have been instrumental in returnees’ economic reintegration.

    FMR 51 General - Thirty years of development-induced displacement in China

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2015 6:07


    To accelerate the process of poverty reduction in its poorer regions, China decided in 2001 to implement a national programme of displacement of populations living in areas considered environmentally fragile. To accelerate the process of poverty reduction in its poorer regions, China decided in 2001 to implement a national programme of displacement of populations living in areas considered environmentally fragile. But these programmes were hardly a novelty for China, and the record of previous such attempts has been far from positive.

    FMR 51 General - Refugee Status Determination in Albania

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2015 12:21


    There are some shortcomings in Albania’s RSD despite the country’s efforts to develop its procedures in line with international standards.

    FMR 51 General - The face of refugees

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2015 3:55


    Personal contact with refugees helps us not only to see the people behind the need but also to better understand the obstacles they face.

    FMR 51 General - Challenges to the right to work in Ecuador

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2015 6:20


    The right to work is important for refugees and asylum seekers – to support themselves, to facilitate local integration and to contribute to the host society. However, they often face obstacles in accessing work in host societies...

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