The chapter is a contribution to an edited collection being prepared by the 12 IDRC Research Chairs on Forced Displacement to articulate the differentiated contribution of knowledge originating from contexts most affected by displacement, especially in the Global South.

In their chapter, the authors explore how the role of regional organizations and regional processes, while historically marginalized in the literature on the politics of the global refugee regime, have been important sites of articulating progressive principles in recent years.

Their analysis focuses specifically on the 2024 Chile Declaration resulting from the Cartagena +40 process and the IGAD Ministerial Communique of December 2025. Contrary to the notion that major refugee-hosting states would subscribe to the priorities of major donor states as a means of securing external support, the chapter outlines how regional processes have produce positions more progressive than current paradigms would anticipate. Therefore, the authors argue that the marginalization of regional processes in the literature reflects Chimni’s 1998 argument about the geopolitics of refugee studies and the political economy of knowledge production.

The presentation was followed by a lively discussion on the conceptual and empirical implications of the argument presented in the chapter.

Stay tuned for further updates on the publication of the edited collection!

]]> /lerrn/2026/advancing-south-south-strategic-dialogue-on-refugee-leadership/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=advancing-south-south-strategic-dialogue-on-refugee-leadership Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:16:59 +0000 /lerrn/?p=11721

Dr. Stéphanie López-Villamil, Ana María Díez, Alejandro Gómez, Abdullahi Mire, María Guevara, and James Milner participate in the panel discussion at R-Space in Geneva. Building Bridges Across Regions: Refugee-Led Dialogue Between East Africa and Latin America. 15 December 2025.

On 15 December 2025, LERRN and R-SEAT co-hosted a panel discussion at R-Space in Geneva on the theme “Building Bridges Across Regions: Refugee-Led Dialogue Between East Africa and Latin America”.

Timed to coincide with the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review meeting, the event was a critical opportunity to highlight the shared challenges and opportunities to levering the expertise of refugee leaders in developing and implementing more efficient, effective and accountable responses to displacement. With the room at full capacity and with many key partners in attendance, the event highlighted the critical role that enhanced and meaningful refugee participation can play in ensuring that collective action to respond to the needs of refugees can be mobilized at a time of financial collapse for the humanitarian response sector and growing political skepticism around both multilateralism and upholding core refugee and human rights protection principles.

The event centered around the global launch of LERRN’s synthesis of its work on refugee-led organizations in East Africa and the Middle East and its more recent work, supported by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, on refugee leadership in East Africa and South America. Presented by the author, Dr. Stéphanie López-Villamil, the synthesis highlights the crucial role of refugee-led responses across regions, in areas as diverse as service delivery, advocacy, and policy development. By outlining the various ways that refugee leaders navigate shifting political opportunity structures, López-Villamil detailed the use of multi-level advocacy used across contexts to address power inequalities and enhance access and impact. The lessons of this analysis are particularly relevant given the moment currently faced by the global refugee regime.

The event then featured responses and perspectives from refugee leaders working in diverse contexts. In her intervention, MarĂ­a Guevara, Latin America Lead for R-SEAT, highlighted how the synthesis report captured the strategies employed by refugee-led organizations across Latin America and how the expertise of refugees is increasingly being recognized in national processes and regional efforts, such as the Cartagena +40 process. Abdullahi Mire, winner of the 2023 Nansen Refugee Award and founder of the Refugee Youth Education Hub, highlighted how the strategies outlined in the report are being used by leaders in places like the Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya to navigate the profound consequences of collapse of funding to UNHCR in 2025. Alejandro GĂłmez, with FundaciĂłn Refugiados Unidos in Colombia, noted that while there has been an increased recognition of the substantive value of refugee participation, it is important to highlight that disproportionate barriers remain for many, especially leaders from the LGBTQI+ community. Ana MarĂ­a DĂ­ez, President of CoaliciĂłn por Venezuela, noted that while refugee leadership had contributed to critical policy changes at the national and regional level, such as the regularization of status for some 2 million Venezuelans in Colombia, more work is needed to change the perception of refugees from a burden to a state to understanding refugees as individuals with skills and abilities to contribute to their host community.

The panel discussion was followed by a lively discussion with a highly engaged audience that illustrated the relevance of the results presented in the synthesis report to situations well beyond the contexts included in the report, along with the increased relevance of these issues in advance of the anticipated election of Dr. Barham Salih as High Commissioner for Refugees by the UN General Assembly later in the week.Ěý Ěý Ěý

The panel highlighted how the challenges and opportunities faced by refugee leaders are remarkably similar across regions. While challenges persist around issues of funding, access and capacity, refugee-led initiatives have responded by drawing on the strength of coalitions, engaging with regional processes, leveraging the combined significance of their unique access to displaced communities and their moral and expert authority, and their ability to mobilize through alternate forms of media, such as social media and virtual networks. Ultimately, the event underscored the key lessons from the research on refugee leadership and refugee-led organizations: At a time of profound need and collapsing support from traditional partners, refugee-led responses bring the combination of moral authority, proven efficiency, technical expertise, and trust-based relationships with affected communities that are urgently needed to reimagine responses to forced migration in a rapidly evolving political reality.

This study sheds light on the often overlooked relations between local actors in the localisation of humanitarian assistance. It examines how local NGOs and refugee-led organisations (RLOs) in Turkey approach humanitarianism and localisation. By focusing on RLOs led by three distinct displaced communities—and their visions of humanitarianism rooted in faith, justice, and rights—the article offers a fresh perspective that highlights how refugees themselves shape humanitarian responses in similar displacement contexts.

Abstract

Two of the main recent trends in humanitarianism have been the increasing focus on decolonialisation and localisation of humanitarian assistance. Donors have committed to raising funding for local actors, especially to refugee-led organisations, with the hopes of tackling colonial power inequalities in humanitarianism and empowering local actors. Yet, the narratives used to maintain the hegemonic understanding of humanitarianism in localisation efforts and dismiss refugee-led organisations have not been comprehensively studied. Drawing on 130 interviews with refugee-led organisations, non-governmental organisations, international organisations and state officials in Turkey, this article shows that by characterising refugee-led organisations as charities with an assumed religious agenda, instead of humanitarian actors, national non-governmental organisations disparage these actors. I argue that the preconceived idea that refugee-led organisations do not adhere to traditional humanitarian principles fuels other non-­governmental organisations’ labelling of refugee-led organisations as charities, but this dismissal is also driven by worries about competition in the humanitarian sector. Adopting a decolonial framework, I assert that the reluctance to shift more power and resources to refugee communities is not only about ideology but also about political economy, an under-examined factor in the literature to date.”

Recommended Citation

Erdilmen, M. (2025). Against the charge of charity: refugee-led organisations, localisation and decolonising humanitarianism.ĚýThird World Quarterly,Ěý46(13), 1543–1564.Ěý

A newly published op-ed in University Affairs explores how Canadian universities can play a critical role in addressing the global displacement crisis.

In “Responding to the Global Displacement Crisis: A Role for Canadian Universities?”, Nyabuol Biel Gang, James Milner (Project Director, LERRN), and Lilly Neang (LERRN Researcher and Editor) discuss how institutions of higher learning can help support displaced students and scholars, contribute to global solutions, and reimagine education as a pathway to protection and inclusion.

The authors highlight impactful initiatives such as the World University Service of Canada’s Student Refugee Program, the Scholars at Risk Network, and innovative collaborations like ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University’s partnership with Jumpstart Refugee Talent. The op-ed underscores that universities are not only centers of learning but also agents of action—capable of transforming policy commitments into meaningful opportunities for those forced to flee their homes.ĚýThe authors call for stronger government collaboration with Canada’s postsecondary sector, unlocking the potential of universities to respond effectively to displacement and attract global talent. They urge renewed commitment, creativity, and shared vision within Canadian universities to ensure they continue to lead with compassion, inclusivity, and strategic purpose—investing in the global talent and leaders of the future.

Read the full op-ed in University Affairs:

Despite rising numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) driven by conflict, climate change, and natural disasters, the issue continues to receive limited and inconsistent policy attention. As global media and political focus tends to center on refugees, and humanitarian resources are stretched thin—particularly in the wake of severe funding cuts by the current U.S. administration—millions of IDPs risk being further marginalized.

The authors call for renewed and sustained commitment from international actors, governments, and civil society to prevent internal displacement from “falling back into the shadows.” Their piece emphasizes the need to prioritize IDPs on global agendas and promote inclusive, durable solutions that uphold the rights and dignity of displaced populations. Central to this is empowering displaced individuals to actively participate in decisions and shape localized responses that shape their futures.

Read the full article here:

By Sarah Nandi, Oroub El_Abed, Megan Bradley, and Hamzah Qardan

Published: March 21, 2025 in Ethnic and Racial Studies

This timely and insightful research explores how refugees in Jordan, particularly Somali, Sudanese, Syrian, and Iraqi communities, navigate resettlement – both in pursuit and in refusal – through an intersectional lens. Drawing on in-depth fieldwork, this study reveals how gender, race, nationality, and power dynamics shape both aspirations and resistance to resettlement. The article challenges dominant narratives that frame resettlement as a universally desired solution and calls for an intersectional approach to understanding refugee agency, particularly in Global South contexts.

Key highlights:

• Unpacks how “resettlement-mindedness” and “deservedness” manifests through vocational and language training efforts in pursuit of self-reliance objectives .
• Challenges the assumption that resettlement is a universally desired solution.
• Offers a nuanced understanding of refugee agency in the Global South.

We invite scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and community members to engage with this important work.

Read the full article

This study delves into the complex dynamics of waiting for resettlement faced by refugees in Kenyan refugee camps, specifically focusing on the strategies individuals and communities develop as they navigate uncertain futures. By examining the psychological, social, and economic dimensions of waiting, the publication sheds light on the resilience and adaptability of refugees in the face of prolonged displacement and uncertainty of resettlement.

Abstract

For many refugees, going home is not possible because of continued instability and local integration is unavailable due to host country policies, so resettlement becomes the only possible “durable solution” to displacement. In Kenya, despite long-standing resettlement programmes, there remain over 588,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in the country. While most studies of resettlement focus on those who resettle, this paper sheds light on the perspectives of those who are still waiting in Kenyan camps for resettlement: those who have “not yet” and perhaps will “never” be resettled. Through focus groups and interviews with 75 refugees in the Dadaab refugee camps, Kakuma Refugee Camp, and Kalobeyei settlement, we find that camp residents experience waiting for resettlement individually and communally. Individually, camp residents assess options, place life plans on hold, and face the mental health consequences of prolonged uncertainty. Communally, camp residents interpret policy changes, share information, and exchange remittances.

This research was co-produced with equal participation of researchers with lived experiences of displacement, currently residing in Kakuma and Dadaab, Kenya. This work is essential for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working in refugee studies, migration, and humanitarian aid.

We hope this research sparks meaningful conversations and contributes to advancing our understanding of displacement, waiting for resettlement, and resilience in refugee communities.

Related Publications

Policy Brief: Waiting for Resettlement Increasing Transparency in the Resettlement Process in Kenya

There has been increased scholarly and policy attention to “localized” responses to displacement, in the hope that further empowering local actors may unlock new means of protecting refugees’ rights and addressing their needs. However, these efforts have often oversimplified power relations within localization processes, bringing some players into focus while occluding others, and devoting insufficient attention to how localization processes and the power dynamics surrounding them have evolved over time. In response, this article draws on theories of subalternity and subaltern agency from the field of postcolonial studies to develop a more nuanced conceptualization of power in localization processes in the refugee regime. We contend that subalternity is best understood as a fluid, relational position that changes over time, such that particular refugees and displaced groups may oscillate between dominant and marginalized, subaltern subject positions, within intersecting systems of power. We probe refugees’ subaltern agency in terms of resistance and persistence, and deepen this account through analysis of localized responses to Burundian refugees in Tanzania, focusing on the localization of efforts to secure durable solutions for refugees. We argue that localization scholarship, particularly in the context of the refugee regime, needs to move beyond homogenized, dehistoricized, and romanticized notions of grassroots, refugee-led responses and focus on complex and fluid power configurations among diverse local actors.

How would you describe this internship experience to others?

My internship at LERRN was an invaluable experience, offering hands-on exposure to project management of the global research partnership. I had the opportunity to apply my MBA-acquired skills to real-world challenges. The work environment was collaborative and supportive, fostering professional growth while allowing me to make contributions to the organization’s mission. I would describe this internship as a pivotal experience that bridged the gap between academic learning and practical application, preparing me for a career in project management and global development. Additionally, the collaborative work environment at LERRN fostered a strong sense of purpose, as my contributions directly supported the organization’s mission of advancing refugee research.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned this summer?

The greatest lesson I learned during my internship at LERRN was the importance of adaptability in managing complex, international projects. Working with teams across different countries taught me to remain flexible and open-minded in finding solutions. I learned that effective project management often involves navigating unforeseen challenges, and the ability to adapt quickly and efficiently is crucial to maintaining project momentum. This experience has reinforced my belief that adaptability and problem-solving are essential skills in any global, dynamic work environment.Ěý

Would you recommend this internship to other students? Why or Why not?

I would highly recommend this internship to other students, particularly those interested in global project management and social impact. The hands-on experience, coupled with the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, provides a valuable learning environment that bridges academic knowledge with real-world application. The mentorship and support from the LERRN team are exceptional, offering guidance and growth opportunities throughout the internship. This experience not only enhances technical and interpersonal skills but also contributes to a deeper understanding of global issues, making it an ideal internship for students looking to make a positive impact.

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Deo Mwapinga completed his doctoral study at the Department of Political Science at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University under the supervision of Dr. James Milner. Deo also has been an invaluable contributor to the LERRN Tanzania working group. Prior to arriving in Canada for his doctorate, Dr. Mwapinga served as a government official in the Government of Tanzania working with Burundian refugees in Katumba and Mishamo settlements in Tanzania from 2012 to 2017.

With the average duration of a refugee situation now lasting over 20 years, Mwapinga’s PhD research aims to take up the global challenge of finding durable solutions for refugees. His research dives into the complex politics of refugee solutions with a particular focus on naturalization processes. The case of Tanzania is particularly interesting, as it has granted citizenship to large groups of refugees twice – Rwandese refugees in the 1980s and Burundian refugees in the 2010s. In his dissertation, Mwapinga proposes advancing the understanding of local integration as a triad by introducing the concept of “quasi-citizenship” to capture the transitional state of citizenship for ex-Barundi refugees.

We, as the LERRN team, are excited to see the impact of Mwapinga’s work will have in shaping future discussions in the forced migration field and refugee policies.

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