Authors of the original article: Jay Marlowe, Murdoch Stephens, and Evan Jones.
Reviewed by Research Fellow Alva Lange
“The Politics of Refugee Resettlement in the Asia Pacific: Belonging and ICT-enabled Transnational Settlement” examines the complexities of refugee resettlement in the Asia Pacific region, particularly focusing on the role of information communication technologies (ICT) in facilitating transnational connections among refugees, within the delimited context of two countries with well-established resettlement programmes in the region; Australia and New Zealand.
Resettlement is one of the three durable solutions in international migration law. The article argues that refugee resettlement should be viewed as an ongoing transnational experience rather than a one-time event and sees transnationalism as the “endurable” solution that sits along the three durable ones. Refugee resettlement is not merely a singular event where individuals relocate from one country to another. Instead, it is an ongoing process that involves continuous interactions and relationships that span across national borders. Essentially, the authors argue, settlement is part of a project of belonging.
Refugees often maintain strong ties to their countries of origin, as well as to other places they may have passed through during their journey. These connections can include family, friends, cultural practices, and community networks – all crucial for refugees as they navigate their new lives in resettlement countries. While they may be physically located in a new country, their cultural and social identities are often influenced by their connections to their homeland.
Information communication technology (ICT) plays a significant role in facilitating these transnational connections. Here, ICT refers specifically to digital tools and platforms, such as smartphones, social media, and the internet, that facilitate communication and information sharing among individuals and communities. This connectivity helps them maintain a sense of normalcy and community, even when geographically separated. For instance, refugees use platforms like WhatsApp and TikTok to communicate with family and share cultural heritage, which helps them navigate their new lives while staying grounded in their roots.
The article includes narratives of refugees like Tashi from Bhutan and Hassan from Afghanistan, illustrating how they rely on transnational networks for support and information in their new environments. The stories also show how ICTs enable refugees to continue engaging in activism and advocacy, even when physically displaced. By sharing information with aid organizations and beneficiaries, they remain active contributors to social and humanitarian efforts. This ability to influence political discourse, both locally and globally, is valuable.
While ICT facilitates connections, it also presents challenges, such as the potential for misinformation and the need for secure communication channels. The authors underscore that although ICTs can be of great importance in development contexts, one must always remember reservations around surveillance, confidentiality and access, particularly since political persecution often is a root cause of forced displacement.
Connectivity can also bring emotional strain, as refugees often remain deeply tied to the turmoil in their country of origin. This is exemplified by the experience of Muhammad, a member of the persecuted Hazara community, who fled violence and discrimination in Afghanistan. After being resettled in New Zealand, he maintained close contact with friends and family back home. While this connection provided a sense of belonging, the constant stream of updates about ongoing challenges in Afghanistan became a source of stress, complicating his resettlement process and emotional adjustment. The article highlights the importance of critical analysis of these technologies and their implications for refugee experiences.
Overall, the article underscores the significance of ICT in shaping the experiences of refugees and the necessity for policies that acknowledge the complexities of transnational settlement in the context of forced migration. Viewing resettlement as a transnational experience challenges traditional resettlement policies that often focus solely on the physical relocation of refugees. It suggests that policies should be more flexible and inclusive, recognizing the importance of transnational ties and the need for support systems that extend beyond national borders. Yuval-Davis’s concept of the “politics of belonging” captures this broader perspective, highlighting how belonging is shaped by social, cultural, and structural contexts. This approach could involve creating frameworks that facilitate ongoing connections for refugees, enabling them to maintain cultural, emotional, and economic ties to their origins while integrating into new communities. They call for innovative solutions that extend beyond national borders to foster connections and enhance the resettlement process. Such policies would not only enhance refugees’ sense of belonging but also empower them to contribute to both their host and home countries.
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