Migrants in Countries in Crisis: Supporting an Evidence-based Approach for Effective and Cooperative State Action
This study is part of the Research Component of the European Union-funded project titled “Migrants in Countries in Crisis: Supporting an Evidence-based Approach for Effective and Cooperative State Action” which aims at providing accessible, methodologically robust and policy relevant data on the migration implications of crisis situations in host countries. The project seeks to improve the capacity of states and other stakeholders to assist and provide protection to migrants who find themselves in countries affected by crisis and to address the long-term implications of such situations.
It investigates the availability of relevant mechanisms ensuring the protection of migrants before, during and after crisis in countries of origin, transit and destination. It seeks to understand the long-term impacts of crises on migrants and affected countries (countries of residence, origin, transit). Out of six case studies [Libya, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Lebanon, South Africa and Thailand], the Ghana fieldwork focuses on Ghanaian returnees from Libya (due to the 2011 civil unrest) and Ivory Coast (due to the 2002/3 and 2010/11 civil unrest).
The study is guided by the following research questions:
What are the long-term consequences of crises in which migrants become implicated? In particular, what has been the impact of the return of migrants from the country in crisis on the socio-economic development and political stability in the country of origin? What have been the impacts on the country in crisis and possible third countries (for example, neighbours)? Who are the key stakeholders in the country in crisis, origin countries and possible third countries (for example, neighbours) that are affected by the plight of migrants in countries in crisis and what are their relevant responsibilities? What policies have been adopted by these different stakeholders; what have been the challenges to implementation, and what impacts have they had?
As part of the fieldwork in Ghana, in-depth interviews were conducted among Ghanaian return migrants from Libya in 2011 and also from Cote d’Ivoire in 2002/3 and 2011 as a result of crisis situations in both countries. Interviews among return migrants examined migrants’ experiences of crisis and their immediate responses as well as related decision making processes and the effects of these decisions. In addition, key stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations, intergovernmental agencies, private sector actors and family members of return migrants were interviewed in-depth. The rationale behind these interviews included examining their roles in the evacuation, reception and reintegration of return migrants and the policy learning ensuing from these crises situations.
Leander Kandilige was recruited as a Local Research Partner by the International Migration Institute (IMI) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).