| Abstract |
The drastic rise in displaced populations necessitates a comprehensive reconsideration of refugee solutions. In the past decade, many Western countries have expanded resettlement programmes and introduced Complementary Pathways (CP), allowing displaced individuals to relocate to third countries (UNHCR 2024). Among these, Community Sponsorship (CS) stands out by involving local individuals and community groups in welcoming and supporting refugees, potentially enhancing integration (ICMC 2017; European Commission 2018). However, there is limited evidence on how resettlement programmes, CS and CP work in practice and their impact on refugees as well as a gap in understanding their intersection with global refugee protection policies (Ahad et al. 2020; Phillimore et al. 2024). This project will address these gaps by examining the operation, challenges and potential of these programmes to improve refugee protection and integration. I will produce a monograph that traces the history and development of resettlement, CS and CP, and examines their role in the global refugee protection system and migration policies. Few studies have examined these programmes from a historical perspective (Phillimore et al. 2024), but understanding past patterns, successes and failures is key to informing current approaches (Ryan et al. 2024). The monograph will highlight key developments, policy shifts and challenges, offering evidence-based strategies to adapt these programmes to better meet refugees’ needs. This work will contribute to academic scholarship and policy discussions, enhancing our understanding of migration and refugee protection. Drawing from my PhD research on the UK’s CS and Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, I will further produce policy briefs with recommendations for improving these programmes. As concerns grow about the effectiveness of resettlement and sponsorship programmes in addressing refugee needs (Bond 2021, Labman 2011), compounded by limited data (Ahad et al. 2020), these briefs will propose evidence-based recommendations for the UK Government, local authorities, NGOs and volunteers. The aim is to strengthen policies to ensure they meet refugees’ evolving needs and highlight best practices for resettlement, CS and CP programmes globally. I will also organise a conference on CS and CP, bringing together scholars, policymakers, refugees and practitioners to discuss refugee integration and protection, as well as recommendations for improving these initiatives. Building on the 2019 CS Summit at the University of Birmingham, the conference will showcase my research, foster collaboration and generate strategies to enhance integration efforts. Effective collaboration across all levels is vital for ensuring the sustainability and success of CS and CP, fostering long-term integration and shared responsibility (ARI, 2019; GRSI, 2021). Additionally, I will expand my professional network by collaborating with organisations like Pathways International and Talent Beyond Boundaries. These partnerships will help advance my research and support global refugee protection. By presenting my findings at the IMISCOE Conference, I will engage with leading migration scholars and explore potential future research collaborations. Ultimately, this research aims to improve refugee protection and integration by exploring resettlement, CS and CP. Through in-depth analysis, evidence-based recommendations and cross-sector collaborations, the project will contribute to more effective and sustainable refugee solutions. |
