In Search of a Durable Solution: Examining the Factors Influencing Postconflict Refugee Returns
Abstract
There are over 80 million forcibly displaced people globally, the highest number of displacements on record. Yet, returns have not kept pace with displacement. The status quo is a growing global population of displaced people, living in limbo without full citizenship rights, and with their host countries under ever-greater strains of hosting them. The need to find new solutions to facilitate safe refugee return has become ever more urgent. This report considers several factors that have shaped the return of refugees and displaced persons: historical pace of refugee returns, including determinants and patterns; interplay among stakeholders in facilitating refugee returns; push-and-pull factors that shape refugees decisions to return to their home countries; factors required for sustainable returns and successful reintegration; and experiences and outcomes from cases of forced displacement and return. The methods used to address this issue include a literature review and key informant interviews with experts and stakeholders; an analysis of displacement and return trends globally; and case studies of the three displacement contexts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and the Kurdistan RegionIraq. The report includes an analysis of commonalities and differences across the cases, as well as both achievements and constraints in terms of returns as one of the durable solutions. The report concludes with recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1146078
Entities
People
- Hardika Dayalani
- Jonathan S. Blake
- Louay Constant
- Mary K. Adgie
- Shelly Culbertson
Organizations
- RAND Corporation