People Forced to Flee: History, Change and Challenge

People in danger have received protection in communities beyond their own from the earliest times of recorded history. The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees was a landmark agreement that led to the global practice of providing safety and solutions for refugees. People Forced to Flee marks this milestone and examines international responses to forced displacement within and beyond borders, as well as the protection principles that apply to both. It reviews where these principles have been used with consistency and success, and where they have not. The book argues that doing better is a global imperative and that increased development investments in education, health, and economic inclusion are helping to improve socioeconomic opportunities for forcibly displaced persons and their hosts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

From the earliest recorded times, communities have provided protection to those in danger, driven by a range of causes including war, conflict, violence, persecution, natural disasters, and climate change. These issues are as familiar to news readers as they are to historians, and it is 70 years since the landmark 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees was established. To commemorate this milestone, People Forced to Flee, the latest publication in a series dating back to 1993, has been released. This book traces the historical path that led to the 1951 Convention, highlighting how centuries-old ideals of safety and solutions for refugees have been transformed into global practice. It maps the progress made in expanding international protection to a broader group of individuals, examining both responses within and beyond national borders. The book also examines international responses to forced displacement, exploring the protection principles that apply to both situations. It reviews where these principles have been successfully implemented and where they have faced challenges. At times, the strength and resolve of the international community appear formidable, yet meaningful solidarity and solutions are often elusive. Taking stock of the 1951 Convention's anniversary today is particularly crucial as the world faces increasing forced displacement, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which often persist for generations. People forced to flee face numerous barriers to improving their lives, hindering their contributions to their communities and achieving solutions. An effective response requires a commitment to international cooperation, as outlined in the 1951 Convention, which is often compromised by efforts to minimize refugee flows.

Weight: 1296g
Dimension: 191 x 245 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198786467