Brookings: Experts - Khalid Koser

The Migration-Displacement Nexus in Afghanistan

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Migration and displacement in and from Afghanistan are bewilderingly complex. One of the world's largest protracted refugee situations coincides with the largest repatriation in recent history. Returnees to Afghanistan cross paths with increasing numbers of cross-border migrants, traders, and new refugees moving in the opposite direction. Other returnees have become IDPs. Khalid Koser argues that as a result, Afghanistan's border regions illustrate a "migration-displacement nexus."

Displacement, Human Development, and Security in Afghanistan

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly five million refugees have returned to Afghanistan since 2002 and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) often cites Afghanistan as a positive example of refugee repatriation. In reality, however, the return of Afghan refugees may prove to be one of the most ill-conceived policies in the Islamic world in recent times.

Gaps in the Protection of Those Displaced by Climate Change

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gaps in protection still remain for those people displaced by climate change within their own countries.

Surge in the Number of Iraqi Refugees

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:20:14 GMT

A new United Nations report finds that in the past year the number of refugees worldwide has increased from 9 to 11 million. Khalid Koser, deputy director of the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, discusses the causes behind this increase as well as possible implications if the number of refugees continues to climb.

Protecting Displaced Migrants in South Africa

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 80,000 migrants have been displaced by the recent wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. While some have returned to their home countries, many still remain in temporary camps. The South African government aims to reintegrate them in the communities from which they fled. Throughout their displacement (and return), the government will need to take steps to protect the rights of these migrants who have been displaced.

The Displacement-Peace Nexus

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Resolving internal displacement is inextricably linked with achieving lasting peace.

Rising Food Prices and Displacement

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As prices for food continue to rise while supply diminishes throughout the world, Khalid Koser writes that the global food crisis is "likely to have a significant impact on those already displaced." He offers insight into the problem and notes that short-term solutions such as cash transfers, lowering of domestic food prices, and food for work schemes will benefit those who are displaced or poor.

Internal Displacement in Kenya

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The post-election outbreak of violence in Kenya displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Any effort at moving forward in Kenya needs to account for those displaced by the violence and help them find durable solutions if lasting peace and stability are to be found.

Dimensions and Dynamics of Contemporary International Migration

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Almost every country on earth is affected by international migration, which is inextricably linked with other important global issues, including development, poverty and human rights. Some migrants are exploited and their human rights abused, integration in destination countries can be difficult, and migration can deprive origin countries of important skills. For these reasons and more, as Brookings expert Khalid Koser argues, migration matters.

The Return of Refugees and IDPs and Sustainable Peace

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Resolving displacement is integral to achieving a lasting peace. Brookings expert, Khalid Koser argues that helping displaced populatiosn to return and reintegrate can simultaneously address the root causes of a conflict and help prevent further displacement.

Addressing Internally Displaced Persons in a Peace Process: Why and How?

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Because IDPs have needs that are different from both refugees and other war-affected civilian populations, they require special attention in peace processes. As Brookings expert Khalid Koser argues, resolving these displacement issues is crucial to achieving a sustainable peace.

Very Short Introductions: International Migration

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

An interview with Oxford University Press's blog on Khalid Koser's new book International Migration: A Very Short Introduction. This Very Short Introduction looks at the phenomenon of international human migration -- both legal and illegal -- to reveal that migration actually presents opportunities that must be taken advantage of in light of the current economic climate.

Internal Displacement in Afghanistan

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The number of IDPs in Afghanistan masks the true significance of internal displacement in the country.

Addressing Internal Displacement in Peace Processes, Peace Agreements, and Peacebuilding

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Resolving displacement is inextricably linked to achieving lasting peace. By doing so, peace agreements are more likely to hold and the root causes of the conflict are more likely to be resolved. In dealing with displaced populations during peace processes, as Khalid Koser argues, it is important to include IDPs as a special category since their needs are often different from both refugees and other war-affected civilian populations.

The Global IDP Situation in a Changing Humanitarian Context

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Given the changed global situation, especially as it regards internal displacement, it is important to examine where new gaps in research exist. It is also important to assess whether the changing situations require new protections for those displaced. In his statement to a UNICEF meeting on the cluster approach, Khalid Koser discusses these gaps in research on internal displacement and the roles of the international community of actors in addressing internal displacement.

Displacement in the Current Middle East Crisis: Trends, Dynamics and Prospects

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Khalid Koser, Seminar on Displacement, Protection of Civilians and the Law of Armed Conflict in the Current Middle East Crisis (8/15/06)

Concluding Statement

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Speech by Khalid Koser (4 July 2006)