Approaches to the design of refugee camps

Abstract

Purpose -An unprecedented scale of human migration has lead humanitarians to view camps as long-term settlements rather than temporary holding facilities. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of and identify challenges with this proposed new approach to camp design. Design/methodology/approach -Based on the camp design literature, the authors developed an interview guide and checklist for data collection. A multi-site case study and within-and cross-case analysis was then conducted. Findings -The findings suggest that the proposed new approach is implemented only to a limited extent, and mostly in a stepwise manner. As camps mature, there is a shift toward the new approach, but most camps are established using the traditional top-down, temporary, and isolated approach.Research limitations/implications -The findings are based on four camps in four different countries and do not provide an exhaustive global coverage. Practical implications -The insights the authors derived and the challenges identified from the empirical evidence can be used to better plan future camps. Social implications -The results can support improvements in camp design, thus alleviating suffering for both refugees and host communities, particularly in developing countries. In particular, the trade-off between a permanent solution and the temporary must be accounted for.Originality/value -The study contributes to the literature by developing and proposing a conceptual framework to camp design. The cross-case analysis provides an initial understanding and categorization of challenges with implementing the new approach. It also suggests an evolutionary perspective of camp design.

A Descriptive Study of the Schooling and Higher Education Reforms in Response to the Refugees’ Influx into Greece

“…The refugee in-flows have initiated not only innovated curricula but also innovation services, technologies and methodologies that, with appropriate planning, could bring a multiplier effect in the university, the refugees, their home countries, and in Greek society. The modernization of camps is a necessary step closer to socio-economic integration, environmental sustainability, and consistency with local development plans (Jahre et al 2018).…”

“…The camp design and development followed a traditional approach of centralized decision-making (Jahre et al 2018), with some traces of new approaches such as the trials of environmental impact assessment (waste control via recycling, gardening, etc.). The chronicity of crisis is visible in the various projects in the camps (related to education, social integration, entertainment, culture) as its structures become more permanent rather than temporary and where relationships and future plans start to follow long-term concepts.…”

A Geospatially Distributed E-Refugee Camp Technological Framework for Caribbean Small Island States

“…Study [21] has shown that refined design principles for refugee camps must support spatial planning and natural resource sustainability while minimizing tension and accounting for the needs, perspectives, and integration of refugees and host communities [1]. Figure 1 below identifies the proposed approach for a refugee camp design managing time, space and resources.…”

The refugee camp management: a general framework and a unifying decision-making model

“…Motivated by the sudden need for refugee management, different countries utilized different approaches. Jahre et al (2018) analyze four different refugee camps, each having their own dynamics, in Ethiopia, Kenya, Greece and Turkey. The first two are actually not related with the Syrian crisis, pointing out the fact that refugee camps are actually not new to the world.…”

“…However, few studies have been conducted on the scope of refugee management in the operations research (OR) literature so far. There are many reports forming an established gray literature ( Jahre et al, 2018). How to link this literature to OR remains an open venue for further research.…”