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Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Democracy Project
With the global refugee population reaching an estimated 19.5 million by mid-2015, compared to 10.4 million in 2011, the world has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of refugees and asylum seekers. Although 86 per cent of refugees are hosted by countries in the Global South, the Global North is also experiencing an exceptional rise in the flow of refugees. While ongoing policy debates are largely focused on the humanitarian, social and economic implications of large-scaleforced migration, issues related to refugees’ and asylum seekers’ civic and political inclusion and their potential to participate in political life and decision-making processes in both host and origin countries have not been adequately explored.
Refugees have the potential to make an impact on the political life of both their host and origin countries, as they often maintain transnational links with their homelands while at the same time becoming part of the host society. Recognizing the dual role of refugees and asylum seekers as political actors in their host and origin countries, the ‘Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Democracy’ project aims to generate comparative knowledge on the impact of refugees and asylum seekers on political life through formal and informal means of political participation.
Through this project, policymakers, including political parties, legislators, and organizations of refugees and asylum seekers, will be provided with relevant country examples and policy recommendations for the effective inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in civic and political life.
This project is funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung.
