MERNID Webinar: ‘Through a Legal Lens – Internal Displacement, Citizenship and Statelessness’

This MERNID webinar asks what role legal concepts of citizenship – and statelessness – in defining the situation of IDPs caught up in conflicts such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan

Published on May 4, 2021

MERNID | mernid

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are usually assumed to be citizens of their country who, in principle, can rely on the legal protection of their own government. Yet the enormous IDP crises of the past decade in the Middle East call these assumptions sharply into question. What role does law play protecting IDPs caught up in conflictive and unstable contexts as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan? What does this mean for legal concepts of citizenship – and statelessness – in this region?

The new Middle East Research Network on Internal Displacement (MERNID) begins a conversation on the issue through three local case-studies. MERNID works to address the gaps in research on internal displacement in this region by building a robust community of researchers and practitioners around this challenge. The webinar will be chaired by MERNID director, Dr Hana Asfour.

Key Messages on Migration, Displacement, and Planned Relocation for the 2026 June Climate Meetings (SB 64)

By Advisory Group on Climate Change and Human Mobility and the Loss and Damage and the Challenges Of Human Mobility and Displacement Working Group | Jun 1, 2026 This document, prepared by the Advisory Group on Climate Change and Human Mobility and the Loss and Damage and the Challenges of Human Mobility and Displacement Working Group, provides key messages on migration, displacement, and planned relocation, for key agenda items, workstreams and events at the 2026 June Climate Meetings. The messages have been endorsed by over 110 organisations and individuals, including civil society organisations, United Nations agencies, academics and experts. In addition to the messages, the groups have provided an advocacy reference document which unpacks in greater detail the entry points on human mobility for each relevant agenda item, providing context and longer messages.

Handbook of Internal Displacement: Free Online Access to Scene-Setting Chapter

By RID | May 15, 2026 This introductory chapter on 'Internal Displacement as a Field of Research and Practice' was written by the editors - Prof David Cantor, Prof Megan Bradley, Dr Winifred Ekezie, Dr Utz Pape, and Ms Natalia Baal. Free access to the PDF is via the link in the section below, where you'll also find the chapter abstract. The free access period ends on 14 June 2026.

Book Launch Event (Hybrid): Responding to internal displacement in a shifting humanitarian landscape

Apr 22, 2026 Thursday 7 May I 18:00 – 19:00 BST I Followed by a drinks reception. Hybrid: ODI Global, 4 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA and online. This launch event brings together four of the Handbook's authors to reflect on the importance of a renewed focus on internal displacement for engaging with key challenges for humanitarian work in a rapidly shifting global context. Event details and registration information below.