In this second workshop of the series “African Forced Migration Studies in Germany”, the focus is placed on peace and forced migration. Whereas Forced Migration Studies has, in general, intensively addressed the relationship between conflict and displacement, peace constitutes a neglected area in research. This workshop seeks to change that and explore meanings of peace in African Forced Migration Studies. The workshop brings together interdisciplinary researchers in African Forced Migration Studies. To provide a forum of discussion, two thematic sessions are our primary focus revolving around what we research and how we conduct research: (I) Setting peace at the core in African Forced Migration Studies (II) Research ethics, methods and intersectional approaches in African Forced Migration Studies.
In each session speakers present core arguments in brief inputs (max. 7 min.) to provide a basis for discussion. Afterwards there will be room for further exchange where all participants are invited to share their own thoughts on the topic.
Session I: Setting peace at the core in African Forced Migration Studies
This session will discuss the meanings and roles of peace in African Forced Migration Studies. Much work has focused on how conflicts contribute to displacement and what risks of violence displaced people are affected by. However, peace receives considerably less attention though it is often considered as a necessity for displaced people’s return to places of origin. In the research literature displaced people are partly viewed as ‘destabilisers’ for peace or peace is seen as something imposed, e.g. via ‘peace education’. Thus, in this session inputs engage with questions around which meanings are attributed to peace (in research, by displaced people themselves, by humanitarian organizations) and how can we make sense of peace in African Forced Migration Studies.
Session II: Research ethics, methods and intersectional approaches in African Forced Migration Studies
This session will discuss ethical issues, (new) research methods and approaches, with a particular focus on gender and intersectional approaches, to African Forced Migration Studies. Inputs will focus critically on the idea of ‘Do no harm’ as a guiding concept in research with forcibly displaced, on ethics such as researching with vulnerable groups, potentials for capturing gendered and intersectional experiences, on avenues to decolonize knowledge production and questions of positionality.
The full programme is available as a pdf here.
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please contact Franzisca Zanker in advance.
Information about the Research Projects:
Women, Forced Migration – and Peace? Peacebuilding practices of women in refugee camps
Funded by German Foundation for Peace Research (DSF)
Led by Ulrike Krause carried out in collaboration with Nadine Segadlo and Hannah Edler
Further information: Link
Forced Displacement in Africa
Funded by German Foundation for Peace Research (DSF)
Led by Franzisca Zanker carried out in collaboration with Khangelani Moyo and Kalyango Ronald Sebba
Further information: Link