Category: Displacement

Posting Date: 4 June 2024

Deadline For Submissions: Before or by 10th July 2024

From 2019 to 2023, Africa has continued to witness a significant rise in active armed conflicts and conflict events. This trend has been particularly pronounced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, and the Sahel region (especially Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali), leading to increased spillover effects and heightened humanitarian concerns.^[1] Presently, Africa is grappling with an alarming surge in forced displacement, with an estimated 40.4 million individuals, as of June 30 2023, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and asylum seekers.^[2] The majority of forcibly displaced individuals originate from countries grappling with conflict, with 14 out of the top 15 nations generating such displacement are facing ongoing conflict^[3].

Forced displacement in Africa remains a pressing issue, with millions of individuals displaced from their homes due to armed conflicts across the continent. This complex phenomenon not only underscores the devastating consequences of armed conflict but also highlights the intricate interplay between forced displacement and the perpetuation of conflict dynamics. While armed conflict often serves as a primary catalyst for displacement, it is equally important to recognize displacement as a trigger that can exacerbate existing conflicts and contribute to the emergence of new ones. 

The nexus of armed conflicts and forced displacement in Africa was further complicated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated factors that drive conflicts and instability. In addition, climate change, recognized as a ‘threat multiplier,’ intensifies competition over scarce resources, contributing to escalating or prolonging conflicts. High rates of youth unemployment are associated with a greater risk of political violence and may drive young people toward violent extremism, subsequently leading to or worsening armed conflicts. Addressing these interconnected challenges is crucial for devising effective strategies to address both forced displacement and armed conflict in Africa. 

In connection with this, the Addis Ababa University International Humanitarian Law Clinic aims to understand the issue of forced displacement, and thereby inform policy decisions. Engaging with scholars from various disciplines, the clinic also aims to develop strategies to address challenges of forced displacement and armed conflicts in Africa, potentially creating a platform for collaborative efforts to address challenges faced by African nations in dealing with forced displacement in connection with armed conflicts.

In this vein, the Addis Ababa University International Humanitarian Law Clinic invites submissions for blogpost articles that study the multifaceted relationship between forced displacement and armed conflict in Africa.  Authors are encouraged to explore various dimensions of this nexus, considering both the consequences of displacement resulting from armed conflict and the ways in which displacement can fuel or prolong conflicts. Potential areas for exploration include:

• Overview of the relationship between armed conflict and forced displacement, highlighting the interconnectedness of these phenomena and their impact on individuals and communities.
  • Causes of Forced Displacement in Armed Conflict, including violence and insecurity, destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods, human rights violations, and ethnic and religious persecution.Impact of Forced Displacement on Individuals and Communities, examining psychological trauma, loss of social support networks, economic challenges, disruption of education and healthcare access, and the strain on resources of host communities.
• Exploration of root causes of migration within conflict contexts, and strategies for addressing underlying drivers of displacement.
• Legal frameworks and mobility amidst conflict situations, examining challenges and opportunities for displaced populations.
  • International Legal Framework for Protecting Displaced Persons in Armed Conflict, encompassing refugee law, international humanitarian law, responsibilities of states and international organizations, and challenges in implementation and enforcement.
  • Protection mechanisms for individuals fleeing conflict zones, and the efficacy of international legal frameworks in ensuring their rights and safety.
• Humanitarian Response to Forced Displacement in Armed Conflict, focusing on the role of humanitarian organizations and agencies, provision of shelter, food, and medical assistance, and protection of vulnerable groups.
• Long-Term Solutions to Address Armed Conflict and Forced Displacement, including conflict prevention and resolution strategies, peacebuilding efforts, and sustainable development initiatives in conflict-affected areas:
  • Strategies to combat irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and trafficking in human beings in conflict-affected regions.
  • The intersection of climate-induced displacement and armed conflict, and efforts towards climate adaptation and resilience among displaced communities.
  • Health challenges faced by migrants and refugees in conflict settings, and the need for targeted healthcare interventions.
  • Sustainable reintegration initiatives for returning migrants and refugees, and the role of readmission and reintegration in post-conflict reconstruction.
  • Protection of victims of trafficking amidst conflict dynamics, and strategies for preventing exploitation and abuse.
  • Promotion of free movement and mobility within Africa as a means of enhancing regional cooperation and stability, particularly in conflict-prone areas.
• The gender dimension of forced displacement, such as increased risk of gender-based violence, loss of economic opportunities, and disruption of social support networks for women, challenges faced by displaced women including accessing healthcare, particularly reproductive health services and support for survivors of sexual violence.
• Case Studies: Examining Specific Examples of Armed Conflict and Forced Displacement, providing in-depth analyses of particular conflicts and their impact on displacement dynamics in Africa.
• Other Multidisciplinary topics such as climate change and youth engagement, especially in their relation to the dynamics of forced displacement and armed conflict in Africa.

We look forward to engaging with diverse perspectives and innovative insights on this critical issue facing Africa today.

Submitting Your Blogposts

We welcome original contributions from academics, students and practitioners from a variety of disciplines across Africa. Please submit your blogposts with the length of 1,500 to 2,000 words (except where agreed with the editors) to the following email: ihlclinicaau@gmail.com

During the selection process, priority will be given to innovative blogposts that demonstrate clear potential to contribute to and advance the legal and policy debates in the field of forced displacement and armed conflict in Africa.

For the general submission guidelines (on referencing and editorial guidelines) please visit https://aauihl-clinic.org/submission-criteria/

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