This is not a comprehensive listing. Rather, the titles highlighted below were either referenced in my new book announcements on this blog and/or were represented in my now discontinued Forced Migration Research Guide. All have been published within the last 10 years.
Many more relevant reference texts can be found in 1) Refworld's collection of manuals and guidelines; and 2) ReliefWeb's extensive database of humanitarian materials.
Atlases:
- "Plus de 100 cartes et infographies entièrement mises à jour éclairent les phénomènes migratoires et interrogent nombre d’idées reçues."
Dina Ionesco, Daria Mokhnacheva & François Gemenne, The Atlas of Environmental Migration, Routledge, 2016
- "As climate change and extreme weather events increasingly threaten traditional landscapes and livelihoods of entire communities the need to study its impact on human migration and population displacement has never been greater. The Atlas of Environmental Migration is the first illustrated publication mapping this complex phenomenon. It clarifies terminology and concepts, draws a typology of migration related to environment and climate change, describes the multiple factors at play, explains the challenges, and highlights the opportunities related to this phenomenon."
European Commission, Atlas of Migration 2023, Publications Office of the European Union, Dec. 2023
- "The Atlas of Migration is a reference tool. It provides the latest harmonised and validated data on migration for the 27 EU Member States and for 171 countries and territories around the world [and] offers a comprehensive overview of migration trends globally." Follow this link for an interactive version of the atlas online. Full-text.
Migreurop, The Atlas of Migration in Europe: A Critical Geography of Migration Policies, Routledge, 2019
- "Deconstructing preconceptions, changing the way we see others, probing borders and mapping the nexus of control and detention, the collection of articles, maps, photographs and illustrations in this Atlas provide an important critical geography of migration policies. Perfect for journalists, activists, students of geopolitics at school or university, this Atlas seeks, above all, to give migrants a voice."
CEPAL, Atlas of Migration in Northern Central America, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, 2018 [also in Spanish]
- "Migration from the countries of Northern Central America (NCA), comprising El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, is shaped by economic factors such as wage and production gaps between countries, by natural disasters and by the first impacts of climate change, especially in rural areas. All this intersects with the insecurity and structural violence that have beset these countries for years. ...[This atlas] examines the main aspects and salient features of migration from NCA countries using maps, infographics and text, including some references to other countries of the subregion." Full-text.
Ulrike Lauerhaß, Graham Pote, Eva Wuchold, eds., Atlas of the Stateless: Facts and Figures about Exclusion and Displacement, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung, 2020 [also in French]
- "This Atlas of the Stateless not only aims to make this invisible issue more visible, but also to show how solutions are possible for each of the situations and problems it presents. We have not attempted to be comprehensive in our coverage. Rather, we hope to draw attention to the many facets of this diverse topic." Full-text.
Russell King, Richard Black, Michael Collyer, Anthony Fielding & Ronald Skeldon, People on the Move: An Atlas of Migration, University of California Press, 2010
- This atlas is divided into four parts. Part 1 presents an historical overview of migration through the ages. Part 2 looks at contemporary global migration patterns. Part 3 examines the diversity of today's migrants. It includes two-page spreads with full-color maps and charts on refugees, refugee warehousing, refugee return, seeking asylum in Europe, internally displaced persons, climate change, and irregular migration. The final part highlights data and sources.
Dictionaries and glossaries:
EMN, Asylum and Migration Glossary, 6th ed., European Migration Network, 2018 [also in Italian]
- This glossary was developed to enhance understanding among European Union member states of terms and definitions relating to migration and asylum. Priority was given to legal definitions used in the EU Acquis on Asylum and Immigration. Terms are organized alphabetically, and include translations into other EU languages, a definition, and a source. Relationships with other terms are indicated as synonyms, broader terms (BT), narrower terms (NT), and related terms (RT). Follow this link for the online version (last updated in Dec. 2022) and to access earlier editions in Arabic, Finnish, French, German, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Spanish. An app is also available. Full-text.
S.William A. Gunn, Dictionary of Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Relief, Springer, 2013
- "The 2nd edition of the Dictionary of Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Relief is an essential and practical reference for all those who work in humanitarian relief. This new, expanded edition presents more than 3000 definitions and acronyms covering the entire multidisciplinary scope of disaster medicine and humanitarian relief, as well as new fields such as climate change and bioterrorism. As natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and infectious disease epidemics increase in frequency and seriousness, this book is an important reference to assist international relief workers communicate with each other and with the media."
ReliefWeb, Glossary of Humanitarian Terms, ReliefWeb, 2008 [also in Korean]
- This resource compiles humanitarian terms from other glossaries and reference materials. It begins with an alphabetical index to the terms, then presents terms with their definitions. The source for each term is indicated in parentheses. Full-text.
Alice Sironi, Céline Bauloz & Milen Emmanuel, eds., Glossary on Migration, International Migration Law, no. 34, IOM, 2019 [also in Spanish]
- "The purpose of this Glossary is to develop a common understanding and consistent use of migration and migration-related terms based, whenever possible, on international standards. Creating uniformity in language is an important starting point in migration discussions to ensure an accurate understanding and coherent exchange of information among actors working in the field of migration. This updated version of the Glossary reflects recent developments in the use of migration-related terms, drawing definitions from a wide range of reliable sources or reflecting IOM’s understanding of migration-related concepts." Full-text.
Thomas E. Doyle, Robert F. Gorman & Edward S. Mihalkanin, Historical Dictionary of Human Rights and Humanitarian Organizations, 3rd ed., Rowman & Littlefield, 2016
- This handbook includes A-Z entries profiling intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that are actively engaged in the human rights and humanitarian fields. Definitions of basic human rights concepts are also provided. Key individuals and their contributions are included along with descriptions of the most important treaties and instruments. The volume begins with a list of acronyms used in the entries, then presents a chronology of relevant events and developments from 1824 to the present. This is followed by an introduction which traces the origins of the human rights concept, the evolution of human rights and humanitarian organizations, the development of international human rights law, and the promotion of human rights. Four appendices reproduce human rights instruments. An extensive bibliography concludes the volume.
Tim Allen, Anna Macdonald & Henry Radice, eds., Humanitarianism: A Dictionary of Concepts, Routledge, 2018
- "The field of humanitarianism is characterised by profound uncertainty, by a constant need to respond to the unpredictable, and by concepts and practices that often defy simple or straightforward explanation. Humanitarians often find themselves not just engaged in the pursuit of effective action, but also in a quest for meaning. That is the starting point for this book." Organized alphabetically, the dictionary presents essays on 24 humanitarian issues contributed by 29 authors.
Antonio De Lauri, ed., Humanitarianism: Keywords, Brill, Sept. 2020
Ilse van Liempt, Joris Schapendonk & Amalia Campos-Delgado, eds., Research Handbook on Irregular Migration, Edward Elgar, March 2023
Russell King, Richard Black, Michael Collyer, Anthony Fielding & Ronald Skeldon, People on the Move: An Atlas of Migration, University of California Press, 2010
- This atlas is divided into four parts. Part 1 presents an historical overview of migration through the ages. Part 2 looks at contemporary global migration patterns. Part 3 examines the diversity of today's migrants. It includes two-page spreads with full-color maps and charts on refugees, refugee warehousing, refugee return, seeking asylum in Europe, internally displaced persons, climate change, and irregular migration. The final part highlights data and sources.
Dictionaries and glossaries:
EMN, Asylum and Migration Glossary, 6th ed., European Migration Network, 2018 [also in Italian]
- This glossary was developed to enhance understanding among European Union member states of terms and definitions relating to migration and asylum. Priority was given to legal definitions used in the EU Acquis on Asylum and Immigration. Terms are organized alphabetically, and include translations into other EU languages, a definition, and a source. Relationships with other terms are indicated as synonyms, broader terms (BT), narrower terms (NT), and related terms (RT). Follow this link for the online version (last updated in Dec. 2022) and to access earlier editions in Arabic, Finnish, French, German, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Spanish. An app is also available. Full-text.
S.William A. Gunn, Dictionary of Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Relief, Springer, 2013
- "The 2nd edition of the Dictionary of Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Relief is an essential and practical reference for all those who work in humanitarian relief. This new, expanded edition presents more than 3000 definitions and acronyms covering the entire multidisciplinary scope of disaster medicine and humanitarian relief, as well as new fields such as climate change and bioterrorism. As natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and infectious disease epidemics increase in frequency and seriousness, this book is an important reference to assist international relief workers communicate with each other and with the media."
ReliefWeb, Glossary of Humanitarian Terms, ReliefWeb, 2008 [also in Korean]
- This resource compiles humanitarian terms from other glossaries and reference materials. It begins with an alphabetical index to the terms, then presents terms with their definitions. The source for each term is indicated in parentheses. Full-text.
- "The purpose of this Glossary is to develop a common understanding and consistent use of migration and migration-related terms based, whenever possible, on international standards. Creating uniformity in language is an important starting point in migration discussions to ensure an accurate understanding and coherent exchange of information among actors working in the field of migration. This updated version of the Glossary reflects recent developments in the use of migration-related terms, drawing definitions from a wide range of reliable sources or reflecting IOM’s understanding of migration-related concepts." Full-text.
Thomas E. Doyle, Robert F. Gorman & Edward S. Mihalkanin, Historical Dictionary of Human Rights and Humanitarian Organizations, 3rd ed., Rowman & Littlefield, 2016
- This handbook includes A-Z entries profiling intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that are actively engaged in the human rights and humanitarian fields. Definitions of basic human rights concepts are also provided. Key individuals and their contributions are included along with descriptions of the most important treaties and instruments. The volume begins with a list of acronyms used in the entries, then presents a chronology of relevant events and developments from 1824 to the present. This is followed by an introduction which traces the origins of the human rights concept, the evolution of human rights and humanitarian organizations, the development of international human rights law, and the promotion of human rights. Four appendices reproduce human rights instruments. An extensive bibliography concludes the volume.
Tim Allen, Anna Macdonald & Henry Radice, eds., Humanitarianism: A Dictionary of Concepts, Routledge, 2018
- "The field of humanitarianism is characterised by profound uncertainty, by a constant need to respond to the unpredictable, and by concepts and practices that often defy simple or straightforward explanation. Humanitarians often find themselves not just engaged in the pursuit of effective action, but also in a quest for meaning. That is the starting point for this book." Organized alphabetically, the dictionary presents essays on 24 humanitarian issues contributed by 29 authors.
Antonio De Lauri, ed., Humanitarianism: Keywords, Brill, Sept. 2020
- "This dictionary comprises 107 entries, each one covering a key term in the broad humanitarian field. The entries are between 600 and 800 words long, followed by selected references. The dictionary is designed as a compass for navigating the conceptual universe of humanitarianism in a way that is both immediate and rooted in the major debates in the field." Full-text.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Master Glossary of Terms, rev. 1 ed., UNHCR, 2006 [also in Spanish]
- Compiled primarily for use by UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) protection staff. Terms were selected from various protection-related publications produced by UNHCR as well as from the Glossary of Humanitarian Terms compiled by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA). Full-text.
Meyer, Antoine, and Auke Witkamp, eds., People on the Move: Handbook of Selected Terms and Concepts, The Hague Process on Refugees and Migration & UNESCO, 2008
- This resource was developed for the general public and civil society to raise awareness, inform policy responses, and promote greater accuracy in language. Terms were elaborated in consultation with international experts (a list is provided in the handbook). Terms are grouped in three sections: Persons & Statuses; Terms & Concepts; and Concepts of Reference. Each entry includes a definition and a comment section which provides background on and context for the term. Icons are also assigned to indicate the scope and acceptance of a term's usage. Full-text.
Dorine Llanta, Sexual and Gender-based Violence: A Glossary from A to Z, FIDH, 2020 [also in Spanish]
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Master Glossary of Terms, rev. 1 ed., UNHCR, 2006 [also in Spanish]
- Compiled primarily for use by UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) protection staff. Terms were selected from various protection-related publications produced by UNHCR as well as from the Glossary of Humanitarian Terms compiled by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA). Full-text.
Meyer, Antoine, and Auke Witkamp, eds., People on the Move: Handbook of Selected Terms and Concepts, The Hague Process on Refugees and Migration & UNESCO, 2008
- This resource was developed for the general public and civil society to raise awareness, inform policy responses, and promote greater accuracy in language. Terms were elaborated in consultation with international experts (a list is provided in the handbook). Terms are grouped in three sections: Persons & Statuses; Terms & Concepts; and Concepts of Reference. Each entry includes a definition and a comment section which provides background on and context for the term. Icons are also assigned to indicate the scope and acceptance of a term's usage. Full-text.
Dorine Llanta, Sexual and Gender-based Violence: A Glossary from A to Z, FIDH, 2020 [also in Spanish]
- "Based on our engagement with multiple stakeholders involved in the movement to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) decided to develop this Glossary to identify and clarify key definitions that practitioners should, at a minimum, be well acquainted with when working on issues of sexual and gender-based crimes or violations, and when engaging with victims and witnesses of these crimes. The Glossary is, by nature, not an exhaustive analysis of these terms, nor does it cover all terms and standards relevant to this topic. However, we hope it offers a starting point for explaining essential terms, rights, standards and other concepts that are often unknown, misunderstood or misused." Full-text.
Encyclopedias:
Kathleen R. Arnold, ed., Contemporary Immigration in America: A State-by-State Encyclopedia, ABC-CLIO, 2015
- "While many books cover U.S. immigration, both historical and contemporary, few if any reference works examine the role of contemporary immigration in individual states. This two-volume encyclopedia fills that gap. Chapters address legal, social, political, and cultural issues of immigrant groups on a state-by-state basis and explore immigration trends and issues faced by individual ethnic populations."
Melvin Ember, Carol R. Ember & Ian Skoggard, eds., Encyclopedia of Diasporas: Immigrant and Refugee Cultures around the World, 2 vols., Springer, 2005
- The aim of this encyclopedia is to "leave the reader with a real sense of how different cultures deal with the varying and similar challenges of the diasporic experience, and what anthropology has contributed to understanding that experience" (p. xiii). Some 120 scholars, predominantly anthropologists, contributed essays that provide overviews of diasporas, discuss specific topics pertaining to diasporas, and profile specific diasporic communities. The essays are divided into three sections accordingly, with the cultural profiles taking up the second volume. The overviews describe populations that have experienced either voluntary or forced migration. The specific topics cover the arts, politics, cities, and types of diasporas. The profiles adhere to a more standard format and include the location, history, demography, language, culture and community, cultural variation, relationship to the host country/homeland, and identity of the diasporic communities. A glossary is included in volume 1, while a detailed index is provided in volume 2.
Immanuel Ness & Peter Bellwood, eds., The Encyclopedia of Global Human Migration, 5 vols., Wiley-Blackwell, 2013
- This extensive resource documents the history of migration using a multidisciplinary approach. The first volume focuses on prehistory, while volumes 2-5 survey recorded history from ancient times to the present. To assess the coverage of the encyclopedia, review the Lexicon that is provided via the link to the publisher's site below. Alternatively, visitors can retrieve abstracts by browsing entries by title or topic (select, e.g., "Migration, 1945-present" under "Browse by Topic"). Note: The entry for "Forced migration" is provided online on a complimentary basis.
Sana Loue & Martha Sajatovic, eds., Encyclopedia of Immigrant Health, 2 vols., Springer, 2012
- This reference book is divided into two parts. It begins with a series of immigrant health overview essays, including "Ethical Issues in Research with Immigrants and Refugees." Part 2 comprises an A to Z list of entries, each of which ends with suggested readings and cross-references to related topics. To view the entries included, follow the link below to the publisher's site. Online users can also assess the coverage of forced migration-specific topics by using the search box provided.
Tim Forsyth, ed., Encyclopedia of International Development, Routledge, 2005
- This single volume encyclopedia includes some 600 succinct A to Z entries describing the principal concepts, issues and major players in international development. The subject coverage extends beyond economic, human and sustainable development into such related areas as humanitarian assistance, international aid, peacekeeping, and human security. Each entry includes bolded terms to direct readers to other entries in the encyclopedia, cross-references to related topics, and a brief bibliography. An index is also provided.
Humanitarian Encyclopedia, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies
Encyclopedias:
Kathleen R. Arnold, ed., Contemporary Immigration in America: A State-by-State Encyclopedia, ABC-CLIO, 2015
- "While many books cover U.S. immigration, both historical and contemporary, few if any reference works examine the role of contemporary immigration in individual states. This two-volume encyclopedia fills that gap. Chapters address legal, social, political, and cultural issues of immigrant groups on a state-by-state basis and explore immigration trends and issues faced by individual ethnic populations."
Melvin Ember, Carol R. Ember & Ian Skoggard, eds., Encyclopedia of Diasporas: Immigrant and Refugee Cultures around the World, 2 vols., Springer, 2005- The aim of this encyclopedia is to "leave the reader with a real sense of how different cultures deal with the varying and similar challenges of the diasporic experience, and what anthropology has contributed to understanding that experience" (p. xiii). Some 120 scholars, predominantly anthropologists, contributed essays that provide overviews of diasporas, discuss specific topics pertaining to diasporas, and profile specific diasporic communities. The essays are divided into three sections accordingly, with the cultural profiles taking up the second volume. The overviews describe populations that have experienced either voluntary or forced migration. The specific topics cover the arts, politics, cities, and types of diasporas. The profiles adhere to a more standard format and include the location, history, demography, language, culture and community, cultural variation, relationship to the host country/homeland, and identity of the diasporic communities. A glossary is included in volume 1, while a detailed index is provided in volume 2.
Immanuel Ness & Peter Bellwood, eds., The Encyclopedia of Global Human Migration, 5 vols., Wiley-Blackwell, 2013
- This extensive resource documents the history of migration using a multidisciplinary approach. The first volume focuses on prehistory, while volumes 2-5 survey recorded history from ancient times to the present. To assess the coverage of the encyclopedia, review the Lexicon that is provided via the link to the publisher's site below. Alternatively, visitors can retrieve abstracts by browsing entries by title or topic (select, e.g., "Migration, 1945-present" under "Browse by Topic"). Note: The entry for "Forced migration" is provided online on a complimentary basis.
Sana Loue & Martha Sajatovic, eds., Encyclopedia of Immigrant Health, 2 vols., Springer, 2012
- This reference book is divided into two parts. It begins with a series of immigrant health overview essays, including "Ethical Issues in Research with Immigrants and Refugees." Part 2 comprises an A to Z list of entries, each of which ends with suggested readings and cross-references to related topics. To view the entries included, follow the link below to the publisher's site. Online users can also assess the coverage of forced migration-specific topics by using the search box provided.
Tim Forsyth, ed., Encyclopedia of International Development, Routledge, 2005
- This single volume encyclopedia includes some 600 succinct A to Z entries describing the principal concepts, issues and major players in international development. The subject coverage extends beyond economic, human and sustainable development into such related areas as humanitarian assistance, international aid, peacekeeping, and human security. Each entry includes bolded terms to direct readers to other entries in the encyclopedia, cross-references to related topics, and a brief bibliography. An index is also provided.
Humanitarian Encyclopedia, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies
- "A collaborative online platform to co-produce concepts and apply knowledge that guides an effective humanitarian response." Select "Concepts" to search on or browse through contributed terms. Select "Databases" to locate humanitarian organisations or educational institutions.
Matthew J. Gibney & Randall Hansen, eds., Immigration and Asylum: From 1900 to the Present, 3 vols., ABC-CLIO, 2005
- This encyclopedia approaches immigration and asylum issues from an historical and political perspective. Entries were selected on the basis of the following themes: asylum law and procedures; immigration policy; refugee countries of origin; major migrant groups; historical movements; and the politics of migration focusing particularly on the U.S. The almost 200 essays are accompanied by "see also" references and bibliographies. The third volume reproduces major international and regional instruments, UN resolutions, and national legislation. These are followed by an extensive index. Immigration and Asylum was selected as an "outstanding reference source" by the American Library Association's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) in 2006.
Matthew J. Gibney & Randall Hansen, eds., Immigration and Asylum: From 1900 to the Present, 3 vols., ABC-CLIO, 2005
- This encyclopedia approaches immigration and asylum issues from an historical and political perspective. Entries were selected on the basis of the following themes: asylum law and procedures; immigration policy; refugee countries of origin; major migrant groups; historical movements; and the politics of migration focusing particularly on the U.S. The almost 200 essays are accompanied by "see also" references and bibliographies. The third volume reproduces major international and regional instruments, UN resolutions, and national legislation. These are followed by an extensive index. Immigration and Asylum was selected as an "outstanding reference source" by the American Library Association's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) in 2006.
Handbooks (academic):
Mark Gibney, Global Refugee Crisis: A Reference Handbook, 2nd ed., ABC-CLIO, 2010
- Contents of both the first and second editions include an overview of the refugee issue, a chronology of major refugee-related events as of 1914, biographical profiles of well-known refugees/refugee activists, statistics and treaties, a directory of organizations and government agencies, an annotated bibliography of print resources (journals, documents, reference works, books and reports), a listing of nonprint resources (e.g., databases/DVDs/videos), and a glossary.
Peter Adey, Janet C. Bowstead, Katherine Brickell, Vandana Desai, Mike Dolton, Alasdair Pinkerton & Ayesha Siddiqi, eds., The Handbook of Displacement, Palgrave Macmillan, Dec. 2020
Mark Gibney, Global Refugee Crisis: A Reference Handbook, 2nd ed., ABC-CLIO, 2010
- Contents of both the first and second editions include an overview of the refugee issue, a chronology of major refugee-related events as of 1914, biographical profiles of well-known refugees/refugee activists, statistics and treaties, a directory of organizations and government agencies, an annotated bibliography of print resources (journals, documents, reference works, books and reports), a listing of nonprint resources (e.g., databases/DVDs/videos), and a glossary.
- "This Handbook provides the knowledge and tools needed to understand how displacement is lived, governed, and mediated as an unfolding and grounded process bound up in spatial inequities of power and injustice. ...The 50-plus chapters are organised across seven themes designed to further develope interdisciplinary study of the technologies, journeys, traces, governance, more-than-human, representation, and resisting of displacement. Each of these thematic sections begin with an intervention which spotlights actions to creatively and strategically intervene in displacement. The interventions explore myriad meanings and manifestations of displacement and its contestation from the perspective of displaced people, artists, writers, activists, scholar-activists, and scholars involved in practice-oriented research."
Karen Jacobsen & Nassim Majidi, eds., Handbook on Forced Migration, Edward Elgar, Oct. 2023
Karen Jacobsen & Nassim Majidi, eds., Handbook on Forced Migration, Edward Elgar, Oct. 2023
- "Forced migration in the 21st century is closely linked to three global developments: climate change, rapid urbanization and the lack of solutions faced by millions of displaced people. The Handbook on Forced Migration brings a critical lens to the study of these issues. By adding the often overlooked disciplines of history and philosophy, this Handbook challenges narratives on forced migration, explains contemporary challenges, and provides a call for action."
Peter Scholten, ed., Introduction to Migration Studies: An Interactive Guide to the Literatures on Migration and Diversity, Springer, June 2022
Peter Scholten, ed., Introduction to Migration Studies: An Interactive Guide to the Literatures on Migration and Diversity, Springer, June 2022
- "This open access textbook provides an introduction to theories, concepts and methodological approaches concerning various facets of migration and migration-related diversities. It starts with an introduction to migration studies and continues with an introductory reading of migration drivers, migration infrastructures, migration flows, and several transversal topics such as gender and migration. It also covers politics, policies and governance as well as specific research methods." Full-text.
Cathryn Costello, Michelle Foster & McAdam, eds., The Oxford Handbook of International Refugee Law, Oxford Univ. Press, June 2021
Cathryn Costello, Michelle Foster & McAdam, eds., The Oxford Handbook of International Refugee Law, Oxford Univ. Press, June 2021
- "[A] comprehensive, critical work, which analyses the state of research across the refugee law regime as a whole. Drawing together leading and emerging scholars, the Handbook provides both doctrinal and theoretical analyses of international refugee law and practice. It critiques existing law from a variety of normative positions, with several chapters identifying foundational flaws that open up space for radical rethinking." Read sample chapters in this blog post.
Cecilia Menjívar, Marie Ruiz & Immanuel Ness, eds., The Oxford Handbook of Migration Crises, Oxford University Press, online 2018, print 2019
- "[T]his comprehensive handbook explores the social dynamics of migration crises, with an emphasis on factors that propel these flows as well as the actors that play a role in classifying them and in addressing them. The volume is organized into nine sections. The first section provides a historical overview of the link between migration and crises. The second looks at how migration crises are constructed, while the third section contextualizes the causes and effects of protracted conflicts in producing crises. The fourth focuses on the role of climate and the environment in generating migration crises, while the fifth section examines these migratory flows in migration corridors and transit countries. The sixth section looks at policy responses to migratory flows, The last three sections look at the role media and visual culture, gender, and immigrant incorporation play in migration crises."
Fiddian-Qasmiyeh, Elena, Gil Loescher, Katy Long, and Nando Sigona, eds., The Oxford Handbook of Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, Oxford University Press, 2014
- Originally conceived as a 12-chapter book that would commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC), this volume eventually grew into a 52-chapter survey of the multidisciplinary field of refugee and forced migration studies. The chapters are organized into seven parts, which cover disciplinary approaches to forced migration, shifting displacement spaces and scenarios, legal and institutional responses to forced migration, root causes of displacement, forced migration experiences, durable solutions, and regional studies. This is the first such reference work for this field. Read sample chapters in this blog post.
Heaven Crawley & Joseph Kofi Teye, eds., The Palgrave Handbook of South–South Migration and Inequality, Palgrave Macmillan, Dec. 2023
Cecilia Menjívar, Marie Ruiz & Immanuel Ness, eds., The Oxford Handbook of Migration Crises, Oxford University Press, online 2018, print 2019
- "[T]his comprehensive handbook explores the social dynamics of migration crises, with an emphasis on factors that propel these flows as well as the actors that play a role in classifying them and in addressing them. The volume is organized into nine sections. The first section provides a historical overview of the link between migration and crises. The second looks at how migration crises are constructed, while the third section contextualizes the causes and effects of protracted conflicts in producing crises. The fourth focuses on the role of climate and the environment in generating migration crises, while the fifth section examines these migratory flows in migration corridors and transit countries. The sixth section looks at policy responses to migratory flows, The last three sections look at the role media and visual culture, gender, and immigrant incorporation play in migration crises."
Fiddian-Qasmiyeh, Elena, Gil Loescher, Katy Long, and Nando Sigona, eds., The Oxford Handbook of Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, Oxford University Press, 2014- Originally conceived as a 12-chapter book that would commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC), this volume eventually grew into a 52-chapter survey of the multidisciplinary field of refugee and forced migration studies. The chapters are organized into seven parts, which cover disciplinary approaches to forced migration, shifting displacement spaces and scenarios, legal and institutional responses to forced migration, root causes of displacement, forced migration experiences, durable solutions, and regional studies. This is the first such reference work for this field. Read sample chapters in this blog post.
Heaven Crawley & Joseph Kofi Teye, eds., The Palgrave Handbook of South–South Migration and Inequality, Palgrave Macmillan, Dec. 2023
- "This open access handbook examines the phenomenon of South-South migration and its relationship to inequality in the Global South, where at least a third of all international migration takes place. Drawing on contributions from nearly 70 leading migration scholars, mainly from the Global South, the handbook challenges dominant conceptualisations of migration, offering new perspectives and insights that can inform theoretical and policy understandings and unlock migration’s development potential." Full-text.
John Winterdyk & Jackie Jones, eds., The Palgrave International Handbook of Human Trafficking, Palgrave Macmillan, Nov. 2019
John Winterdyk & Jackie Jones, eds., The Palgrave International Handbook of Human Trafficking, Palgrave Macmillan, Nov. 2019
- "This handbook is an international, comprehensive, reference tool in the field of trafficking in people and slavery. It covers everything from historical perspectives to cutting-edge topics to provide a high-level and systematic examination of the field which is at the forefront of both research and practice. It has an impressive breadth of entries from leading experts and international organisations to NGOs on the ground. This handbook is truly global with contributions from scholars and practitioners on virtually every continent (e.g. Europe, North America, Australia, Africa, Asia, and South America). This book also covers problematic areas that cannot be found in other reference works."
Françoise Bouchet-Saulnier, The Practical Guide to Humanitarian Law, Rowman & Littlefield, 2013
- First published as a book in 2007, this encyclopedic guide was transformed into a freely available online resource in April 2016. It is both a dictionary and an authoritative overview of international humanitarian law. It not only defines terms and concepts relevant to humanitarian assistance, war, peace, and human rights; it also provides a succinct summary of their legal context, relevant quotes from treaties, citations to case law, extensive cross-references to other related terms, and bibliographies for further reading. Entries for organizations include contact details and web addresses (although note that these are not necessarily current). Lists of states parties to the principal humanitarian law, human rights, refugees, and international criminal law treaties are included. The original print edition was published in French by La Découverte under the title Dictionnaire pratique du droit humanitaire.
Jacqueline Bhabha, Jyothi Kanics & Daniel Senovilla Hernández, eds., Research Handbook on Child Migration, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2018
- "The scope and complexity of child migration have only recently emerged as a critical factors in global migration. This volume assembles for the first time a richly interdisciplinary body of work, drawing on contributions from renowned scholars, eminent practitioners and prominent civil society advocates from across the globe and from a wide range of different mobility contexts."
Benoit Mayer & Francois Crepeau, eds., Research Handbook on Climate Change, Migration and the Law, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017
- "Carefully edited chapters by leading scholars in the field provide a cross section of the various debates on what laws do, can do and should do in relation to the impacts of climate change on migration. A first part analyses the relations between climate change and migration. A second part explores how existing laws and institutions address the climate-migration nexus. In the final part, the chapters discuss possible ways forward."
Susan C. Breau & Katja L.H. Samuel, eds., Research Handbook on Disasters and International Law, Edward Elgar, 2016
- "This Research Handbook examines a broad range of legal regimes directly and indirectly relevant to disaster prevention, mitigation and reconstruction across a spectrum of natural and manmade disasters, including armed conflict."
Françoise Bouchet-Saulnier, The Practical Guide to Humanitarian Law, Rowman & Littlefield, 2013
- First published as a book in 2007, this encyclopedic guide was transformed into a freely available online resource in April 2016. It is both a dictionary and an authoritative overview of international humanitarian law. It not only defines terms and concepts relevant to humanitarian assistance, war, peace, and human rights; it also provides a succinct summary of their legal context, relevant quotes from treaties, citations to case law, extensive cross-references to other related terms, and bibliographies for further reading. Entries for organizations include contact details and web addresses (although note that these are not necessarily current). Lists of states parties to the principal humanitarian law, human rights, refugees, and international criminal law treaties are included. The original print edition was published in French by La Découverte under the title Dictionnaire pratique du droit humanitaire.
Jacqueline Bhabha, Jyothi Kanics & Daniel Senovilla Hernández, eds., Research Handbook on Child Migration, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2018
- "The scope and complexity of child migration have only recently emerged as a critical factors in global migration. This volume assembles for the first time a richly interdisciplinary body of work, drawing on contributions from renowned scholars, eminent practitioners and prominent civil society advocates from across the globe and from a wide range of different mobility contexts."
Benoit Mayer & Francois Crepeau, eds., Research Handbook on Climate Change, Migration and the Law, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017
- "Carefully edited chapters by leading scholars in the field provide a cross section of the various debates on what laws do, can do and should do in relation to the impacts of climate change on migration. A first part analyses the relations between climate change and migration. A second part explores how existing laws and institutions address the climate-migration nexus. In the final part, the chapters discuss possible ways forward."
Susan C. Breau & Katja L.H. Samuel, eds., Research Handbook on Disasters and International Law, Edward Elgar, 2016
- "This Research Handbook examines a broad range of legal regimes directly and indirectly relevant to disaster prevention, mitigation and reconstruction across a spectrum of natural and manmade disasters, including armed conflict."
Evangelia (Lilian) Tsourdi & Philippe De Bruycker, eds., Research Handbook on EU Migration and Asylum Law, Edward Elgar, Dec. 2022
- "[P]rovides a holistic analysis of the development of the European Union’s migration and asylum policies. It comprehensively examines facets of each policy, including insights from cutting-edge research and an in-depth analysis of their development, whilst also identifying future policy orientation."
Vincent Chetail & Céline Bauloz, eds., Research Handbook on International Law and Migration, Edward Elgar, 2014
- "This Handbook offers a comprehensive take on the intersection of law and migration studies and provides strategies for better understanding the potential of international legal norms in regulating migration. Authoritative analyses by the most renowned and knowledgeable experts in the field focus on important migration issues and challenge the current normative framework with new ways of thinking about the topic."
Satvinder Singh Juss, ed., Research Handbook on International Refugee Law, Edward Elgar, 2019
- "Bringing together experts in the field, the innovative and groundbreaking chapters provide a critical perspective on the legal landscape for refugees at a time when the politics and legitimacy of transnational regulatory governance are in question as never before. In an age of growing ethnic nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, the contributing authors examine key issues surrounding refugees and migration, and build a new outlook on social justice, as the post-war international order ends."
Vincent Chetail & Céline Bauloz, eds., Research Handbook on International Law and Migration, Edward Elgar, 2014
- "This Handbook offers a comprehensive take on the intersection of law and migration studies and provides strategies for better understanding the potential of international legal norms in regulating migration. Authoritative analyses by the most renowned and knowledgeable experts in the field focus on important migration issues and challenge the current normative framework with new ways of thinking about the topic."
Satvinder Singh Juss, ed., Research Handbook on International Refugee Law, Edward Elgar, 2019
- "Bringing together experts in the field, the innovative and groundbreaking chapters provide a critical perspective on the legal landscape for refugees at a time when the politics and legitimacy of transnational regulatory governance are in question as never before. In an age of growing ethnic nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, the contributing authors examine key issues surrounding refugees and migration, and build a new outlook on social justice, as the post-war international order ends."
- "Moving away from state categorizations on irregular migration, this Research Handbook critically examines processes and dynamics that generate and reproduce irregularity, and discusses who may count as an irregular migrant. Acknowledging that irregular migration is not just a South-North issue, chapters investigate the many different pathways into irregularity, demonstrating the benefits of understanding dynamics behind irregular migration over statistics."
Robert McLeman & François Gemenne, eds., Routledge Handbook of Environmental Displacement and Migration, Routledge, 2018
- This volume "provides a state-of-the-science review of research on how environmental variability and change influence current and future global migration patterns and, in some instances, trigger large-scale population displacements. Drawing together contributions from leading researchers in the field, this compendium will become a go-to guide for established and newly interested scholars, for government and policymaking entities, and for students and their instructors. It explains theoretical, conceptual, and empirical developments that have been made in recent years; describes their origins and connections to broader topics including migration research, development studies, and international public policy and law; and highlights emerging areas where new and/or additional research and reflection are warranted."
Anna Triandafyllidou, ed., Routledge Handbook of Immigration and Refugee Studies, 2nd ed., Routledge, 2022
- A multi-disciplinary book with thematic and geographical chapters that provide a concise overview of migration and asylum trends, the labour market, integration, development, irregular migration and other topics.
Robert McLeman & François Gemenne, eds., Routledge Handbook of Environmental Displacement and Migration, Routledge, 2018
- This volume "provides a state-of-the-science review of research on how environmental variability and change influence current and future global migration patterns and, in some instances, trigger large-scale population displacements. Drawing together contributions from leading researchers in the field, this compendium will become a go-to guide for established and newly interested scholars, for government and policymaking entities, and for students and their instructors. It explains theoretical, conceptual, and empirical developments that have been made in recent years; describes their origins and connections to broader topics including migration research, development studies, and international public policy and law; and highlights emerging areas where new and/or additional research and reflection are warranted."
Anna Triandafyllidou, ed., Routledge Handbook of Immigration and Refugee Studies, 2nd ed., Routledge, 2022
- A multi-disciplinary book with thematic and geographical chapters that provide a concise overview of migration and asylum trends, the labour market, integration, development, irregular migration and other topics.
Evyn Lê Espiritu Gandhi, Vinh Nguyen, eds., The Routledge Handbook of Refugee Narratives, Routledge, Feb. 2023
- "Interrogating who can be considered a refugee and what constitutes a narrative, the thirty-eight chapters included in this [open access] collection encompass a range of forcibly displaced subjects, a mix of geographical and historical contexts, and a variety of storytelling modalities. Analyzing novels, poetry, memoirs, comics, films, photography, music, social media, data, graffiti, letters, reports, eco-design, video games, archival remnants, and ethnography, the individual chapters counter dominant representations of refugees as voiceless victims." Full-text.
S. Irudaya Rajan, ed., The Routledge Handbook of Refugees in India, Routledge, 2022
- This "volume examines the various legal, political, and policy frameworks for accommodating refugees or asylum seekers in India, including the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Registry of Citizens. It evaluates the lack of uniformity in the Indian legal and political framework to deal with its refugee population and analyzes the grounds of inclusion or exclusion for different groups. Drawing from the experiences of Jewish, Tibetan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Afghan, and Rohingya refugees in India, it analyzes debates around marginalization, citizenship, and refugee rights. It also explores the spatial and gendered dimensions of forced migration and the cultural and social lives of displaced communities, including their quest for decent work, education, and health."
Steven J. Gold & Stephanie J. Nawyn, eds., Routledge International Handbook of Migration Studies, 2nd ed., Routledge, 2019
- "This revised and expanded second edition of Routledge International Handbook of Migration Studies provides a comprehensive basis for understanding the complexity and patterns of international migration. Despite increased efforts to limit its size and consequences, migration has wide-ranging impacts upon social, environmental, economic, political and cultural life in countries of origin and settlement. Such transformations impact not only those who are migrating, but those who are left behind, as well as those who live in the areas where migrants settle."
Christine Inglis, Wei Li & Binod Khadria, eds., The SAGE Handbook of International Migration, SAGE Publishing, Nov. 2019
- This handbook "provides an authoritative and informed analysis of key issues in international migration, including its crucial significance far beyond the more traditional questions of immigrant settlement and incorporation in particular countries."
Handbooks (operational):
Health
Jill Hunter, Zachary Steel, Linda Pearson, Mehera San Roque, Derrick Silove, Naomi Frommer & Ronnit Redman, Managing and Understanding Psychological Issues among Refugee Applicants: Resources Manual and Guidelines for Best Practice, University of New South Wales, 2013
- The authors of this resource have expertise in both the legal and mental health fields. Their aim in preparing these guidelines has "been to fill an important gap in the support of decision makers, mental health professionals and applicants’ representatives with a view to creating an informed and practical understanding for managing the challenges for applicants with trauma-related psychological damage where little or no documentation or other objective evidence exists, and credibility is pivotal to decision-making. In these circumstances psychological and emotional conditions may combine with a mismatch of cultural norms and expectations to make refugee status evaluation a particularly complex task." Separate chapters provide specific and practical guidance for each of the target groups. Full-text.
IOM, Manual on Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies and Displacement, 2nd ed., International Organization for Migration, 2022 [also available in French, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, Spanish, Russian & Ukrainian]
- "The present Manual aims to facilitate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) experts and managers in designing, implementing and evaluating community-based MHPSS (CB MHPSS) programmes, projects and activities for emergency-affected and displaced populations in humanitarian settings." Full-text.
Humanitarian assistance
Linda Richardson & Gill Price, All In Diary: Essential Guide to Humanitarian Good Practice, 6th ed., All In Diary, 2018 [also in French & Spanish]
- The aim of this resource is to provide succinct information on all topics and issues that aid workers need to know about when based in the field. Each topic is described on one page, with additional resources and web links listed at the bottom for further information. Ten sections cover humanitarian principles, humanitarian frameworks, disasters, cross-cutting issues, sectoral guidance, operational guidance, managing projects, managing stakeholders, and managing people. Full-text.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Handbook for Emergencies, 4th ed., UNHCR, updated 2023 [also avail. in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian & Spanish]
- This handbook serves as UNHCR's principal reference tool for responding to refugee emergencies. As of the 4th edition, a digital resource replaced the print version to allow for easier updating. Sections focus on emergency management, protection, service delivery, coordination, staff well-being, security, and media issues. The table of contents provides a detailed breakdown of topics covered in each chapter to enable readers to quickly locate the information they need. The appendices include 1) a "toolbox" that presents indicators, measurements and other useful information in table format for easy reference, 2) a brief glossary, and 3) an index. Full-text.
Sphere Association, The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response, 4th ed., Sphere, 2018
- The aim of this handbook is to promote enhanced quality of assistance provided in emergency situations and to ensure greater accountability within the humanitarian system. The handbook begins with a presentation of the humanitarian charter, a series of principles derived from international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law, as well as the Red Cross/Red Crescent Code of Conduct (relevant sections of these instruments are reproduced in the annexes). These provide the framework for the standards of humanitarian assistance described in the book. The first chapter introduces protection principles that cut across all sectors. The next chapter discusses the core standards that underpin all other standards. The remaining chapters spell out the minimum standards for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the following sectors: water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion; food security and nutrition; shelter and settlement; and health. Other language versions are available here. Full-text.
Protection
BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, Closing Protection Gaps: Handbook on Protection of Palestinian Refugees in States Signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention, 2nd ed., BADIL, 2015
- The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance on the international legal standards that pertain to Palestinian refugees when they are outside the Arab world and seeking protection in third countries. Chapters review the history of the Palestinian refugee situation, describe the initial framework established by the United Nations for their protection and assistance, examine the protection mechanisms set out in international instruments, look at the national policies of 23 non-Arab countries for providing protection to Palestinian refugees under these instruments, and provide recommendations for addressing existing protection gaps and strategies to improve protection for Palestinian refugees around the world. Nine appendices reproduce relevant official documents. A glossary defines key legal terms referenced in the text. Full-text.
Mohamed Y. Mattar & Riikka Puttonen, Combating Trafficking in Persons, Handbook for Parliamentarians, no. 16, Inter-Parliamentary Union & UN Office on Drugs and Crime, 2009 [also in French & Russian]
- This handbook was drafted as a resource for parliamentarians to raise awareness of human trafficking and to take measures to stop the practice. Eight chapters include: "The international legal framework to combat trafficking in persons"; "Defining trafficking in persons in national legislation"; "Criminalizing and penalizing all forms of trafficking in persons"; "Recognizing trafficked persons as victims entitled to internationally recognized human rights"; "Preventing trafficking in persons"; "Measures to combat the crime of trafficking in personsinternationally"; "Monitoring and reporting on anti-human trafficking activities"; "Enhancing the role of civil society." Annexes list international instruments, national legislation and national plans of action.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Detention Guidelines: Guidelines on the Applicable Criteria and Standards relating to the Detention of Asylum-Seekers and Alternatives to Detention, UNHCR, 2012
- "These Guidelines reflect the state of international law relating to detention – on immigration-related grounds – of asylum-seekers and other persons seeking international protection. They equally apply to refugees and other persons found to be in need of international protection should they exceptionally be detained for immigration-related reasons." Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Global Protection Cluster Working Group, Handbook for the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons, Inter-Agency Standing Committee, 2010 [also avail. in Arabic, French & Spanish]
- In 2005 during a review of the international humanitarian response system, the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) was identified as a significant gap. This handbook was produced in order to address this gap. Its aim is to improve the quality of the response developed for IDPs by providing information and guidance to field staff who work in situations of internal displacement. The handbook was tested for a year, and re-released at the end of 2008 with the incorporation of feedback and lessons learned. A final version was published in June 2010. The six sections of the handbook cover protection basics, the human resource skills required to support protection work, strategies for protection response, how to address protection violations, key protection activities, and durable solutions. Full-text.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status and Guidelines on International Protection under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, UNHCR, reissued 2019 [also in Dutch, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish & Thai]
- This seminal resource "is issued in accordance with UNHCR’s supervisory responsibility under its Statute, the 1951 Convention, its 1967 Protocol and regional instruments. It is intended to guide government officials, judges, practitioners, as well as UNHCR colleagues in applying the refugee definition." The 2011 edition is available in a number of other languages.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Handbook on Protection of Stateless Persons under the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, UNHCR, 2014
- The purpose of this handbook is to help relevant actors better interpret and apply the provisions of the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. To this end, the Handbook is divided into the following parts: 1. Criteria for Determining Statelessness; 2. Procedures for the Determination of Statelessness; and 3. Status of Stateless Persons at the National Level. Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Inter-agency Standing Committee, IASC Operational Guidelines on the Protection of Persons in Situations of Natural Disasters, Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, 2011
- This document revises and updates the 2006 IASC Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters. Part I introduces the concept of a human rights-based approach towards the protection of people during natural disasters. Part II discusses the guidelines by thematic grouping, i.e., protection of life, protection of rights related to food, health, etc., protection of rights related to housing and livelihoods, protection of rights related to freedom of movement, religion, etc. A glossary is included in the annex. Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Mike Asplet, Internal Displacement: Responsibility and Action, Handbook for Parliamentarians, no. 20, Inter-Parliamentary Union & UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2013 [also in French, Georgian & Portuguese]
- The aim of this Handbook is to guide parliamentarians in developing the necessary legislative framework to better assist and protect internally displaced persons. Part one introduces the "Foundations of Legislative Action," Part two addresses "The Parliamentarian's Role as Lawmaker," while Part three examines "The Parliamentarian's Role as Political Leader." A number of useful resources are also listed, while two key texts are reproduced in the Annexes: The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention). Full-text.
Association for the Prevention of Torture, International Detention Coalition & UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Monitoring Immigration Detention: Practical Manual, UNHCR, 2014 [also in Albanian, French, Macedonian, Spanish & Turkish]
- This manual serves as a "a step-by-step guide for anyone or any institution carrying out immigration detention visits. It can also be used as a checklist for authorities, detention centre staff and journalists on the standards that need to be applied when asylum-seekers and migrants are detained." It provides background on detention in the immigration context, outlines a monitoring methodology, and highlights specific aspects of immigration detention that should be examined. Full-text.
Achiron, Marilyn & Radha Govil, Nationality and Statelessness, Handbook for Parliamentarians, no. 22, Inter-Parliamentary Union & UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2014
- Designed for parliamentarians, this handbook introduces the problem of statelessness and discusses strategies for protecting and assisting stateless persons. The information is presented in a question and answer format. Several annexes lists states parties to the two relevant statelessness conventions, reproduce model instruments of accession, and provide addresses for UNHCR offices. Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation, Researching Country of Origin Information: A Training Manual, rev. ed., Austrian Red Cross, 2013
- Country of origin information (COI) research is undertaken to assist in the assessment of, and to lend support to, the asylum application process. This manual is designed to teach readers how to conduct research in order to locate "relevant, reliable, balanced, accurate and verifiable, as well as transparent, country of origin information." The text is divided into several training modules; these include an optional "refugee law and complementary protection" module, a basic module on the role and standards of country of origin information, three separate modules on relevance, reliability and balance, and accuracy and currency, and a final optional module on transparency. The Annex includes detailed descriptions of core sources. The 2013 edition thoroughly updated the manual, and included a new chapter on social media. Other language versions are available here. Full-text.
R. Sampson, V. Chew, G. Mitchell & L. Bowring, There Are Alternatives: A Handbook for Preventing Unnecessary Immigration Detention, rev. ed., International Detention Coalition, 2015 [also in French, Japanese, Spanish & Turkish]
- This handbook provides guidance for preventing unnecessary detention and exploring alternatives to detention. It does this by introducing and explaining how to use the Community Assessment and Placement (CAP) model, which is a 5-step conceptual and practical framework. Full-text.
Steven J. Gold & Stephanie J. Nawyn, eds., Routledge International Handbook of Migration Studies, 2nd ed., Routledge, 2019
- "This revised and expanded second edition of Routledge International Handbook of Migration Studies provides a comprehensive basis for understanding the complexity and patterns of international migration. Despite increased efforts to limit its size and consequences, migration has wide-ranging impacts upon social, environmental, economic, political and cultural life in countries of origin and settlement. Such transformations impact not only those who are migrating, but those who are left behind, as well as those who live in the areas where migrants settle."
Christine Inglis, Wei Li & Binod Khadria, eds., The SAGE Handbook of International Migration, SAGE Publishing, Nov. 2019
- This handbook "provides an authoritative and informed analysis of key issues in international migration, including its crucial significance far beyond the more traditional questions of immigrant settlement and incorporation in particular countries."
Handbooks (operational):
Health
Jill Hunter, Zachary Steel, Linda Pearson, Mehera San Roque, Derrick Silove, Naomi Frommer & Ronnit Redman, Managing and Understanding Psychological Issues among Refugee Applicants: Resources Manual and Guidelines for Best Practice, University of New South Wales, 2013
- The authors of this resource have expertise in both the legal and mental health fields. Their aim in preparing these guidelines has "been to fill an important gap in the support of decision makers, mental health professionals and applicants’ representatives with a view to creating an informed and practical understanding for managing the challenges for applicants with trauma-related psychological damage where little or no documentation or other objective evidence exists, and credibility is pivotal to decision-making. In these circumstances psychological and emotional conditions may combine with a mismatch of cultural norms and expectations to make refugee status evaluation a particularly complex task." Separate chapters provide specific and practical guidance for each of the target groups. Full-text.
- "The present Manual aims to facilitate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) experts and managers in designing, implementing and evaluating community-based MHPSS (CB MHPSS) programmes, projects and activities for emergency-affected and displaced populations in humanitarian settings." Full-text.
Humanitarian assistance
Linda Richardson & Gill Price, All In Diary: Essential Guide to Humanitarian Good Practice, 6th ed., All In Diary, 2018 [also in French & Spanish]
- The aim of this resource is to provide succinct information on all topics and issues that aid workers need to know about when based in the field. Each topic is described on one page, with additional resources and web links listed at the bottom for further information. Ten sections cover humanitarian principles, humanitarian frameworks, disasters, cross-cutting issues, sectoral guidance, operational guidance, managing projects, managing stakeholders, and managing people. Full-text.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Handbook for Emergencies, 4th ed., UNHCR, updated 2023 [also avail. in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian & Spanish]
- This handbook serves as UNHCR's principal reference tool for responding to refugee emergencies. As of the 4th edition, a digital resource replaced the print version to allow for easier updating. Sections focus on emergency management, protection, service delivery, coordination, staff well-being, security, and media issues. The table of contents provides a detailed breakdown of topics covered in each chapter to enable readers to quickly locate the information they need. The appendices include 1) a "toolbox" that presents indicators, measurements and other useful information in table format for easy reference, 2) a brief glossary, and 3) an index. Full-text.
Sphere Association, The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response, 4th ed., Sphere, 2018
- The aim of this handbook is to promote enhanced quality of assistance provided in emergency situations and to ensure greater accountability within the humanitarian system. The handbook begins with a presentation of the humanitarian charter, a series of principles derived from international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law, as well as the Red Cross/Red Crescent Code of Conduct (relevant sections of these instruments are reproduced in the annexes). These provide the framework for the standards of humanitarian assistance described in the book. The first chapter introduces protection principles that cut across all sectors. The next chapter discusses the core standards that underpin all other standards. The remaining chapters spell out the minimum standards for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the following sectors: water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion; food security and nutrition; shelter and settlement; and health. Other language versions are available here. Full-text.
Protection
BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, Closing Protection Gaps: Handbook on Protection of Palestinian Refugees in States Signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention, 2nd ed., BADIL, 2015
- The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance on the international legal standards that pertain to Palestinian refugees when they are outside the Arab world and seeking protection in third countries. Chapters review the history of the Palestinian refugee situation, describe the initial framework established by the United Nations for their protection and assistance, examine the protection mechanisms set out in international instruments, look at the national policies of 23 non-Arab countries for providing protection to Palestinian refugees under these instruments, and provide recommendations for addressing existing protection gaps and strategies to improve protection for Palestinian refugees around the world. Nine appendices reproduce relevant official documents. A glossary defines key legal terms referenced in the text. Full-text.
Mohamed Y. Mattar & Riikka Puttonen, Combating Trafficking in Persons, Handbook for Parliamentarians, no. 16, Inter-Parliamentary Union & UN Office on Drugs and Crime, 2009 [also in French & Russian]
- This handbook was drafted as a resource for parliamentarians to raise awareness of human trafficking and to take measures to stop the practice. Eight chapters include: "The international legal framework to combat trafficking in persons"; "Defining trafficking in persons in national legislation"; "Criminalizing and penalizing all forms of trafficking in persons"; "Recognizing trafficked persons as victims entitled to internationally recognized human rights"; "Preventing trafficking in persons"; "Measures to combat the crime of trafficking in personsinternationally"; "Monitoring and reporting on anti-human trafficking activities"; "Enhancing the role of civil society." Annexes list international instruments, national legislation and national plans of action.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Detention Guidelines: Guidelines on the Applicable Criteria and Standards relating to the Detention of Asylum-Seekers and Alternatives to Detention, UNHCR, 2012
- "These Guidelines reflect the state of international law relating to detention – on immigration-related grounds – of asylum-seekers and other persons seeking international protection. They equally apply to refugees and other persons found to be in need of international protection should they exceptionally be detained for immigration-related reasons." Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Global Protection Cluster Working Group, Handbook for the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons, Inter-Agency Standing Committee, 2010 [also avail. in Arabic, French & Spanish]
- In 2005 during a review of the international humanitarian response system, the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) was identified as a significant gap. This handbook was produced in order to address this gap. Its aim is to improve the quality of the response developed for IDPs by providing information and guidance to field staff who work in situations of internal displacement. The handbook was tested for a year, and re-released at the end of 2008 with the incorporation of feedback and lessons learned. A final version was published in June 2010. The six sections of the handbook cover protection basics, the human resource skills required to support protection work, strategies for protection response, how to address protection violations, key protection activities, and durable solutions. Full-text.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status and Guidelines on International Protection under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, UNHCR, reissued 2019 [also in Dutch, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish & Thai]- This seminal resource "is issued in accordance with UNHCR’s supervisory responsibility under its Statute, the 1951 Convention, its 1967 Protocol and regional instruments. It is intended to guide government officials, judges, practitioners, as well as UNHCR colleagues in applying the refugee definition." The 2011 edition is available in a number of other languages.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Handbook on Protection of Stateless Persons under the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, UNHCR, 2014
- The purpose of this handbook is to help relevant actors better interpret and apply the provisions of the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. To this end, the Handbook is divided into the following parts: 1. Criteria for Determining Statelessness; 2. Procedures for the Determination of Statelessness; and 3. Status of Stateless Persons at the National Level. Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Inter-agency Standing Committee, IASC Operational Guidelines on the Protection of Persons in Situations of Natural Disasters, Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, 2011
- This document revises and updates the 2006 IASC Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters. Part I introduces the concept of a human rights-based approach towards the protection of people during natural disasters. Part II discusses the guidelines by thematic grouping, i.e., protection of life, protection of rights related to food, health, etc., protection of rights related to housing and livelihoods, protection of rights related to freedom of movement, religion, etc. A glossary is included in the annex. Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Mike Asplet, Internal Displacement: Responsibility and Action, Handbook for Parliamentarians, no. 20, Inter-Parliamentary Union & UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2013 [also in French, Georgian & Portuguese]
- The aim of this Handbook is to guide parliamentarians in developing the necessary legislative framework to better assist and protect internally displaced persons. Part one introduces the "Foundations of Legislative Action," Part two addresses "The Parliamentarian's Role as Lawmaker," while Part three examines "The Parliamentarian's Role as Political Leader." A number of useful resources are also listed, while two key texts are reproduced in the Annexes: The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention). Full-text.
Association for the Prevention of Torture, International Detention Coalition & UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Monitoring Immigration Detention: Practical Manual, UNHCR, 2014 [also in Albanian, French, Macedonian, Spanish & Turkish]
- This manual serves as a "a step-by-step guide for anyone or any institution carrying out immigration detention visits. It can also be used as a checklist for authorities, detention centre staff and journalists on the standards that need to be applied when asylum-seekers and migrants are detained." It provides background on detention in the immigration context, outlines a monitoring methodology, and highlights specific aspects of immigration detention that should be examined. Full-text.
Achiron, Marilyn & Radha Govil, Nationality and Statelessness, Handbook for Parliamentarians, no. 22, Inter-Parliamentary Union & UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2014
- Designed for parliamentarians, this handbook introduces the problem of statelessness and discusses strategies for protecting and assisting stateless persons. The information is presented in a question and answer format. Several annexes lists states parties to the two relevant statelessness conventions, reproduce model instruments of accession, and provide addresses for UNHCR offices. Multiple language versions are available via the a/m link. Full-text.
Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation, Researching Country of Origin Information: A Training Manual, rev. ed., Austrian Red Cross, 2013
- Country of origin information (COI) research is undertaken to assist in the assessment of, and to lend support to, the asylum application process. This manual is designed to teach readers how to conduct research in order to locate "relevant, reliable, balanced, accurate and verifiable, as well as transparent, country of origin information." The text is divided into several training modules; these include an optional "refugee law and complementary protection" module, a basic module on the role and standards of country of origin information, three separate modules on relevance, reliability and balance, and accuracy and currency, and a final optional module on transparency. The Annex includes detailed descriptions of core sources. The 2013 edition thoroughly updated the manual, and included a new chapter on social media. Other language versions are available here. Full-text.
R. Sampson, V. Chew, G. Mitchell & L. Bowring, There Are Alternatives: A Handbook for Preventing Unnecessary Immigration Detention, rev. ed., International Detention Coalition, 2015 [also in French, Japanese, Spanish & Turkish]
- This handbook provides guidance for preventing unnecessary detention and exploring alternatives to detention. It does this by introducing and explaining how to use the Community Assessment and Placement (CAP) model, which is a 5-step conceptual and practical framework. Full-text.
Division of International Protection, UNHCR Resettlement Handbook, Rev. ed., UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2023 [also in Arabic, French & Spanish]
- This handbook "offers resettlement management and policy guidance to UNHCR staff, and is a key reference tool on global resettlement policy and practice for resettlement countries, NGOs and other partners." Chapters with information provided by government authorities in specific resettlement countries are listed separately, as they are revised and updated regularly. Currently, resettlement countries include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. Full-text.
