International Research Cluster 2023/24
Conflict-Induced Displacement and Socio-Economic Resilience: Learning From Neglected Conflicts in Cameroon and Myanmar
Director: Michaela Pelican
There are an estimated 281 million migrants worldwide, with 89.5 million being forcibly displaced. Political and humanitarian measures to address forced migration often neglect the socio-economic aspects of displacement. Understanding migrants’ socio-economic situations is essential to managing forced migration and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. At the heart of this project are two violent conflicts – the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon and the military coup in Myanmar – which have resulted in significant displacement but have received limited attention in international public debates.
Subprojects
The Research Cluster comprises 4 projects that will enhance mutual learning from the two conflicts:
Subproject 1: Changing Livelihood Strategies and Economic Resource Dynamics of Persons Internally Displaced by the Anglophone Conflict in Cameroon
This subproject will analyse the self-defined economic and livelihood strategies of Anglophone Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Cameroon
Subproject 2: The Socio-Economic Integration of Migrants and Refugees From Myanmar Living in the Border Region
This subproject will identify socio-economic and legal obstacles to the integration of Burmese refugees into the Thai economy.
Subproject 3: Remittance Channels in the Context of Violent Conflicts: The Example of Burmese Refugees in Thailand
This subproject will show the impact of the recent military coup in Myanmar and study the alternative economic and financial solutions developed by Burmese refugees for interacting with the economies of Thailand and their home country.
Subproject 4: The Role of HEIs in Capacity Building and Conflict Prevention
This subproject will take an overarching focus on the possible contribution of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in conflict areas to achieving SDGs 2, 8, 16 and 17.
Cologne International Forum Overview