Refugee Camp Security: Decreasing Vulnerability Through Demographic Controls

Abstract

In the past, refugee camp security has been examined in many lights; however, the demographic make-up of camps has not been focused on. In this article, I present a quantitative model that examines attacks on refugee camps. I argue that the likelihood of an attack on a camp is affected by the demographic make-up of the camp. The primary demographic causes that affect vulnerability are the level of male population of the camp, age of camp residents, and the size of the camp. With the available data, I find that these demographic indicators are significant in determining the likelihood of an attack. Assessing what characteristics of camps and their populations increase the likelihood of an attack should serve as a guide to the implementation and organization of new refugee camps to ensure peace and stability for an already fragile community.

Reexamining the Effect of Refugees on Civil Conflict: A Global Subnational Analysis

“…Second, when refugee communities are not only concentrated but also very large (relative to local communities), there may be more opportunity for increases in local economic activity and greater incentives for infrastructural development and other focused investments by the UNHCR and state governments. Yet, in large numbers, refugee communities may be more likely to alter ethnic balances and more drastically affect local economies (again, with potential winners and losers within the host communities) (e.g., Johnson 2011;Tumen 2016). Examining refugee populations at the subnational level in Africa, Fisk (2014) finds no relationship between large camp-based refugee populations and conflict.…”

The Global Refugee Crisis: Pathway for a More Humanitarian Solution

“…Consider, for example, FDP experiences at refugee hosting areas (RHAs) or refugee camps where states/governments are responsible for providing security and (re)settling FDP (Johnson 2011). The needs of FDP may be determined by ascertaining the combination of capabilities, assets (both material and social) and activities required for a means-of-living (e.g., Jacobsen 2002).…”

Doing Harm by Doing Good? The Negative Externalities of Humanitarian Aid Provision during Civil Conflict

“…Humanitarian aid sites such as refugee camps and aid stations often concentrate large amounts of valuable resources in specific geographic areas. As a consequence, these sites present valuable targets for rebels attempting to replenish depleted resources or augment their capabilities (Johnson 2011;Médecins Sans Frontières, 1997, 18-19). Predation is a common strategy of rebel resource acquisition, and rebels often engage in strategic looting and violence as a means to compensate for short-term resource constraints (e.g., Weinstein 2007;Wood 2014).…”