Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/refugees-21st-century
In an era marked by increasing global mobility and complex geopolitical landscapes, understanding the plight of refugees is more crucial than ever. The Coursera course, ‘Refugees in the 21st Century,’ offered by the Refugee Law Initiative at the School of Advanced Study, University of London, provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this critical issue.
From its introductory week, the course immediately immerses students in the multifaceted nature of the refugee phenomenon. It tackles the fundamental questions: Who is a refugee? Where do they come from, and where do they go? The syllabus is meticulously structured, dedicating a week to each core aspect of the refugee experience and the international response. Week two delves into the precise definition of ‘refugee,’ contrasting the everyday understanding with the specialized, legal definition enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention. This distinction is vital for grasping the nuances of asylum claims and international protection.
Subsequent weeks explore the architecture of the global refugee protection system, highlighting the significance of the 1951 Convention and the role of UNHCR. The course doesn’t shy away from the complexities of finding ‘solutions’ for displaced persons, examining voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement, along with the practical challenges each entails. A particularly relevant module, ‘Refugees as migrants,’ analyzes contemporary issues like secondary movements and deterrence strategies, using the 2015 European ‘crisis’ as a case study.
Furthermore, the course broadens the perspective beyond conventionally defined refugees, dedicating a week to other forms of forced migration, such as stateless persons and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This comparative approach underscores that refugees are indeed ‘only the tip of the ‘forced migration’ iceberg.’
Overall, ‘Refugees in the 21st Century’ is an exceptionally well-structured and informative course. It offers a global perspective, grounded in academic rigor and real-world examples. The engagement with challenging activities and online peer interaction creates a dynamic learning environment. For anyone seeking a deeper, more informed understanding of forced displacement, its causes, consequences, and the international efforts to address it, this course comes highly recommended.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/refugees-21st-century