Refugees and migrants between everyday conflict and peace processes: conference documentation

Abstract

How do refugees and migrants in Germany deal with conflicts in their daily lives? And how do they do so in their country of origin by engaging in peace processes? This Knowledge Note provides key insights into our BICC conference on “Refugees and migrants between everyday conflict and peace processes”, held on 5 December 2019 in Bonn, Germany. During this conference, about 50 policymakers, academics, NGO specialists and engaged individuals sought answers to these questions throughout six breakout groups during the conference day. In sum, we drew the conclusions that:Seemingly clear ‘categories’ such as “refugees”, “migrants”, or “diaspora” disguise the complex realities of everyday lives of persons who have moved to Germany from abroad. Conflicts that occur between and within diaspora groups in the countries of residence are not merely a reproduction of conflicts that prevail in the country of origin. Persons with a refugee or migrant background are often forced into a transnational life with little opportunity to engage in politics in their country of origin or residence. There is no standardised approach of how to include exiles in Track 1 peace negotiations. Countries of residence need to create opportunities for political participation and civic education created by migrants and refugees themselves. By summarising each breakout group and plenary discussions of our conference day, this Knowledge Note explains the reasons as to why these findings emerged as crucial. In addition, you find recommendations for German and international policy as well as further research in the section ‘Major findings’.