Call for Papers: Special issue on “Forming and transforming the IDP label: Categories, binaries and internal displacement”

Special issue editors: Megan Bradley (McGill University, Canada); Bríd Ní Ghráinne (Maynooth University, Ireland); Lahra Smith (Georgetown University, United States); Meron Zeleke (Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia)

The proposed special issue of the seeks to challenge the marginalization of internal displacement in migration research by critically examining how labels, borders, and binary distinctions between “internal” and “external” displacement shape both governance and lived experiences across different contexts, while encouraging more inclusive and interconnected understandings of displacement.

Abstract submission deadline: 31 July 2026.

Interested contributors are welcome to submit an extended abstract (max 750 words) to the editorial team by 5:00PM EST, 31 July 2026.

The post Call for Papers: Special issue on “Forming and transforming the IDP label: Categories, binaries and internal displacement” appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

The Journal of Refugee Studies (JRS) is accepting . JRS is a peer-reviewed journal featuring original, high-quality research related to diverse aspects of forced migration. We welcome proposals that engage with and significantly advance scholarly debates in the field of refugee and forced migration studies.

Special issues typically contain eight to ten original articles, as well as a substantive, article-length introduction by the guest editors, which sets out the state of knowledge on the topic addressed in the special issue, the key questions and debates the special issue engages, and the principal findings and arguments made by the contributors. Special issues should have the potential to inform and invigorate future research on issues of broad importance to the field.

Proposals must be submitted to jrs.editorialoffice@paeditorial.co.uk by 15^th August 2025.

Proposals for special issues should be a maximum of 5,000 words, and should include:

• A title for the proposed special issue
• An explanation of the questions the special issue will address, and the nature and importance of the expected contribution
• An explanation of the connections between the proposed articles
• Abstracts for each article (maximum 10 papers, maximum 400 words per abstract)
• Brief biographies for each contributor and guest editor (max 200 words each)
• Details on proposed timelines, and activities related to the proposal (e.g. if the papers have been discussed at a workshop or other forum, to encourage connections and coherence across the special issue)

Proposals that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.  The editors will review all proposals received by the deadline, and select the successful proposal(s) on the basis of:

• The innovation and potential scholarly advance made by the proposed special issues special issue
• The coherence of the overall proposal
• The originality, quality and diversity of the contributions (e.g. special issues are welcomed that address under-examined topics, regions or populations, or advance critical debates in new ways)

We welcome proposals from researchers from under-represented groups, including those from the Global South. When developing their proposals, we encourage guest editors to consider issues of representation and diversity, including in terms of career stage.

All articles published in the selected special issues will go through the Journal’s peer review process.

Thank you for your interest! Queries may be addressed to jrs.editorialoffice@paeditorial.co.uk

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