How do refugees and migrants in Germany deal with conflicts in their daily lives? And how do they do so in their country of origin through engaging in peace processes? This Knowledge Notes provides key insights into the topic from the BICC conference on “Refugees and migrants between everyday conflict and peace processes”, held on
5 December 2019 in Bonn.
During this conference, about 50 policymakers, academics, NGO specialists and engaged individuals discussed throughout six breakout groups. In Knowledge Notes1\2020, the editors Simone Christ, Esther Meininghaus, Katja Mielke and Tim Röing conclude:
- Seemingly clear ‘categories’ such as “refugees”, “migrants”, or “diaspora” disguise the complex realities of everyday lives of persons who have moved to Germany from abroad.
- Conflicts that occur between and within diaspora and exile groups in their country of residence are not merely a reproduction of conflicts that prevail in their country of origin.
- Persons with a refugee or migrant background are often forced into a transnational life with little opportunity to engage in politics in their country of origin or residence.
- For those individuals who live abroad, but who wish to engage in peace processes to resolve situations of war in their country of origin, no international, standardised approaches exist of how to include exiles in Track 1 peace negotiations.
- Countries of residence need to create opportunities that allow for political participation and civic education of migrants and refugees. These programmes should be created in a self-determined manner.
The section ‘Major Findings’ further details specific recommendations for German and international policymakers.
Find the BICC Knowledge Notes 1\2020 “Refugees and migrants between everyday conflict and peace processes” at: https://www.bicc.de/uploads/tx_bicctools/BICC_Knowledge_Note_1_2020.pdf
Source: Bonn international Center for Conversion, 24.06.2020