Call for Papers

International Conference on Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement: Bridging Research and Practice, Filling the Knowledge Gaps, 22-23 March 2013

Hosted by the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford

The conference invites papers that will contribute to reviving the discussions on development-induced displacement and resettlement. In view of the conference theme, “bridging research and practice, filling the knowledge gaps”, papers facilitating cross-communications between different stakeholders, disciplines and perspectives are very much welcome. As a forum for critical reflections on the current practice and policies, the conference encourages presenters to engage in discussions on the least studied aspects and unanswered questions of DIDR. How much is enough to compensate an oustee for example, or what is a successful resettlement? How do we define the affected populations in the urban? How can we “re”settle mobile populations that are not settled in the first place? Should the affected people have the right to veto the projects?

For further guidance, key themes of the conference are briefly described below. Papers may fall into one or more of the following categories:

Conceptual and ethical discussions

For a broader understanding and critical engagement of policy and processes, there is a need to continue conceptual and ethical discussions on development-induced displacement and resettlement. Under this theme, the conference invites papers conceptualising and theorising aspects and processes of DIDR and ethical and/or human rights perspectives on DIDR. 

Policy and practice

This theme will look into strengths and weaknesses of laws and policies, impracticalities and insufficiencies, what works and what does not. Papers might explore the gaps between policy and practice, address the possibilities of having over-arching legal and policy frameworks or discuss the idea of ’success’ in the context of resettlement. Participants from international financial institutions as well as policymakers from across the world are welcome to explain their efforts and challenges in relation to their own policies. 

Diverse emphases

This theme will explore the short, medium and long term consequences of DIDR from different perspectives. Taking into account different segments in the society, gender and generations, diverse socio-economic groups, political and ethnic backgrounds, it will seek to encompass reflections of displaced as well as non-displaced and host populations. Papers might examine impacts on livelihoods and living standards, social and family networks, power and relations as well as mental and physical health. 

Different contexts 

Displacement and resettlement are taking place in various contexts including developed and developing countries, diverse regions and geographies and amongst urban, rural, indigenous, and mobile populations. This theme will examine the unknowns of DIDR in different contexts and compare and contrast its challenges and repercussions. Case specific studies as well as papers with a broader focus at regional levels are very much welcome.

You can download the abstract submission form at https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0DiGnfQIgQSem1hV241NUNFTGM/edit?pli=1 . When the web page opens, click on the "file" tab on the left corner and choose the "download" option. If you encounter any problems with downloading, please inform us at [log in to unmask]

The deadline for abstract submission is **31 October 2012.**

More information about the conference is available at http://www.didrconference.org/index.html .


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