Achieving durable solutions for returnee children: what do we know? Launch of the Global Returns Report

In response to soaring numbers of displaced people worldwide – of which more than half are children – governments around the world are increasingly pursuing strategies that promote returns over other alternatives, such as resettlement or local integration. While governments are pushing for ‘return-first’ approaches, conditions for a safe and dignified return are often far from being met. Focused only on the initial physical relocation back to the area of origin, this approach overlooks the longer-term challenges of reintegrating children and their parents. This can be a complex process requiring attention over many months, or years.

This seminar will present and debate a new report from Save the Children, ‘Achieving Durable Solutions for Returnee Children: what do we know?’ by Stefanie Barratt, Data Standards Pillar Lead at Samuel Hall. The report addresses a gap in our knowledge about the often-difficult conditions of children’s return to the areas of (their parents’) origin. It gives an overview of what is known (and what is not) about the return of displaced children to Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Syria, four of the most important contexts of return today.

Four experts have been invited to explore the report findings and use the policies it examines as a point of departure for a broader discussion of the returns debate in the context of durable solutions.

The event series is a collaboration between DIIS and Save the Children Denmark.

Speakers

• Stefanie Barratt, Data Standards Pillar Lead, Samuel Hall
• Jeff Crisp, Research Associate, Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford University
• Kim Mancini, Global Lead, Solutions to Displacement, Danish Refugee Council
• Josiah Kaplan, Research Advisor, Migration and Displacement Initiative, Save The Children International
• Oliver Bakewell, Global Development Institute, The University of Manchester
• Finn Stepputat, Senior Researcher, Danish Institute for International Studies

Programme

14.00 – 14.10                Welcome

Roger Hearn, International Director, Save the Children Denmark and Finn Stepputat

14.10 – 14.40                    Presenting the report

Stefanie Barratt

14.40 – 15.45                    Round table discussion

Chairperson: Finn Stepputat

Jeff Crisp, Oliver Bakewell, Kim Mancini, Josiah Kaplan

15.45 – 16.00                    Coffee break

16.00 – 16.45                    Plenum

Chairperson: Finn Stepputat     

Practical information

This seminar will be held in English and livestreamed via Skype (not via DIIS livestream). If you would like to participate via Skype, please send an email to Meg Moran at mem@redbarnet.dk

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Please use the DIIS online registration below and sign up no later than 29 May 2019 at 12.00.

Sign up here.