Finding Safe Harbour: Supporting Integration of Refugee Youth

The global refugee crisis is staggering, with over half of all displaced persons being under eighteen. In Finding Safe Harbour, Emily Pelley investigates the current response to refugee youth in Canada, highlighting how Halifax, Nova Scotia, has mobilized services and resources to support young people seeking refuge. The study concludes with an in-depth discussion of how cities can optimize resilience resources through meaningful engagement with refugee youth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

The global refugee crisis is a truly staggering phenomenon, with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reporting that 79.5 million people were displaced worldwide in 2019, and over half of these displaced individuals were under the age of eighteen. This alarming figure highlights the profound impact that displacement has on the lives of children and teenagers, as they navigate a complex and often perilous world.

As the number of children and teenagers seeking asylum continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important to understand the long-term effects of displacement on their well-being and development. This requires further research and analysis to develop effective strategies and interventions that can support these young individuals in their journey towards recovery and integration.

In her book, Finding Safe Harbour: Responding to Refugee Youth in Canada, Emily Pelley explores the current response to refugee youth in Canada, focusing on how Halifax, Nova Scotia, as a mid-sized urban center, has mobilized services and resources to support young people seeking refuge. Pelley begins by providing a broad contextual introduction to the global crisis of displacement and the impact of violence and armed conflict on young people. She then delves into the reciprocal adaptation that is required for the long-term integration of displaced youth into the receiving society.

Throughout the book, Pelley offers a concise and illuminating study on refugee resettlement. She highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise during the resettlement process and explores the role that cities can play in optimizing resilience resources through meaningful engagement with refugee youth. Pelley's research is based on extensive fieldwork and interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, service providers, and refugee youth themselves.

One of the key findings of the book is that cities can optimize resilience resources by fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion among refugee youth. This can be achieved through initiatives such as community-based programming, cultural exchange programs, and educational opportunities that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Pelley also emphasizes the importance of providing trauma-informed care and support to refugee youth, as they may have experienced severe trauma and adversity before fleeing their homes.

In conclusion, Finding Safe Harbour: Responding to Refugee Youth in Canada is a valuable contribution to the field of refugee studies and resettlement. By highlighting the experiences of refugee youth in Canada and exploring the role that cities can play in supporting their integration, Pelley provides a roadmap for policymakers, service providers, and communities to work towards creating more inclusive and resilient societies. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of refugee resettlement and the importance of supporting young people in their journey towards recovery and integration.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228008774