What are the most important considerations when conducting a refugee rights impact assessment?

Para iniciar um RRIA é necessário considerar a dimensão do empreendimento a ser implantado e quais os potenciais efeitos deste empreendimento na área de influência direta e indireta da atividade, considerando sobretudo a intensidade, periodicidade, abrangência e interferências no dia a dia das pessoas quando à deslocamento, condições de saúde, questões urbanísticas, desequilíbrio ecológico etc. Para criação de um cenário fidedigno é importante inserir todas as partes interessadas no processo, criando um fórum de discussões propositivas e tratadas com muita seriedade e compromisso. Além das questões ambientais, as sociais e econômicas são tão importantes quanto, e por isso não podem ser subestimadas.

In my experience, conducting a RRIA needs to consider the following key factors: Scope: Clearly define the assessment's scope, specifying the rights to be evaluated and the affected population. This ensures a focused analysis. Participation: Actively involve refugees and stakeholders in the process to incorporate their perspectives and experiences. Data Collection: Collect comprehensive data from various sources, including refugees, host communities, and relevant organizations, to ensure accuracy. Analysis: Thoroughly analyze the collected data to identify the impact of policies and programs on refugee rights, as well as any gaps or areas for improvement. This ensures a powerful tool for advocating and protecting the rights of refugees.

Refugees have been the targets of violent attacks and intimidation, largely because they were perceived as “different” from the communities in which they had temporarily settled. Tensions between refugees and local populations have erupted when refugees were seen as competitors for natural and economic resources. Some have done so to discourage or to dissuade those who have already arrived from applying for refugee status. Some regard detention as an effective way of managing illegal entrants regardless of their asylum status 7 while identity, national security and the elements on which the claim to refugee status or asylum is based are explored, and that it facilitates removal of those who have no grounds to stay.

When conducting a refugee rights impact assessment,it's crucial to evaluate the potential effects on basic human rights, such as life,liberty, and security.Addressing socio-economic aspects, including access to education,healthcare, and employment, is essential.Consideration of cultural and psychological factors is necessary to maintain the dignity and identity of refugees. Guidance from international and domestic legal frameworks is vital to protect and uphold refugee rights.Collaboration with stakeholders, including refugee communities, NGOs,and government agencies,is key for comprehensive insights and effective strategies in safeguarding refugee rights. Framework Human Rights Access to Resources Security & Protection Gender Equality M&E

Biodiversity Conservation: • Evaluate the refuge’s effectiveness in protecting species diversity. • Assess the presence and health of key species, both flora and fauna, and their habitats. Ecosystem Health and Functionality: • Examine the health of various ecosystems within the refuge, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands. • Assess ecological processes like water filtration, pollination, and nutrient cycling. Impact on Endangered and Threatened Species: • Determine the refuge’s role in protecting endangered or threatened species. • Implement strategies for the recovery of these species.

Em todos os estudos, mesmo tendo a finalidade sobre o ponto de vista ambiental, é necessários a abordagem holística e a consideração sobre diversos pontos, áreas e segmentos. Não devemos, de maneira alguma, engessar ou direcionar o pensamento numa abordagem única, limitada e restrita, é necessário sempre expandir o pensamento e considerar o todo. Diante disso, tão importante quanto o ambiental, o político, social, econômico e legal devem compor a linha de ação e serem igualmente considerados.

Without context it's impossible to design an appropriate solution. We have already done enough damage without context. It's essential

when conducting a refugee rights assessment, it's essential to prioritize the protection of refugees, involve them actively in the process, provide opportunities for participation in decision-making, ensure accountability for protecting their rights, empower them to advocate for themselves, promote coordination among stakeholders, and consider long-term sustainability strategies for refugee protection efforts.

In my experience, I also found it crucial to take in consideration the time of any approach and/or response to protect refugees, refugees who are in un-friendly political environment would have been more jeopardized, specifically if they have no legal status (non-signatory country of the convention), besides, not all refugees have suffered the same experience, and we need to understand that they are traumatized even in the country of asylum, might be language barrier, post-traumatic ...etc. furthermore, community-based approach is significant, no one knows more than then community itself

A metodologia a ser empregada deve considerar as principais biografias existentes correlatas ao assunto e ainda, o envolvimento dos refugiados através de questionários ou diálogos em fóruns de debate. É necessário a junção da parte biográfica, mas também, e talvez ainda mais importante, dar palavra a quem de fato se encontra na situação de protagonismo do estudo. Após o levantamento textual e coleta de informações, é necessário realizar uma filtragem do que foi colhido e organizar os dados mais relevantes de modo que possa criar parâmetro e nortear o estudo.

One thing I've found helpful is to do a self-assessment before going to a sensitive area if work so that I am aware of my own influence when accessing the space of work. This will help if you need to call yourself out when you are basically spoon-feeding the participants with responses. Other forms of influence can be seen harmless because one might feel like they understand the participants positions which, with a self-reflective/reflexive tool always at hand, you could realize how you also play a part in participants responses to certain question. We are hardly ever aware of this aspect of our lives because we come in already wearing a researchers/activist hat to the field.

Após realizarmos todo o estudo, levantando os dados e informações pertinentes, temos a condição de concluir aquela linha de pesquisa e raciocínio, trazendo um cenário palpável, algo de fato concreto e consistente. O fundamental nessa etapa é apresentar os resultados de forma clara e objetiva, definindo não somente os pontos negativos, mas também destacando os positivos. Após levantar tais pontos, se faz necessário criar um plano de ação para os negativos, e através de um cronograma de ações, prazos e responsabilidades ir monitorando e atendendo cada um daqueles que se faz necessário.

Refugee right assessment considerations are, the national refugee laws as if there is laws of integration in national economic opportunities adopted from international refugee laws. Besides, there should be considered humanitarian sphere standards and partnership among IPs for effective delivery of humanitarian services.

Os principais desafios e limitações na elaboração de RRIA é compreender a particularidade que envolve os refugiados e obter informações e uma base que seja consistente o suficiente para traçar uma linha de estudo que represente de fato o cenário, e que possa demonstrar os impactos de forma clara e objetiva, focando na resolução com adoção de medidas de mitigação e criação de planos de ação para minimizar os impactos juntos aos refugiados, respeitando sempre a peculiaridade que envolve esse grupo.

Due to the sensitive nature of findings and how these may affect those in positions of authority, RRIA practitioners are likely to face challenges. Issues of denial of access to key informants and establishments are real and do occur. I have had first hand experience of such challenges. Innovations around data collection is necessary. Where physical access to informants is denied, practitioners may opt to use an online data collection tool or indeed by conducting phone interviews. In such cases, it is extremely important that the identity of interviewees is protected.

Los desafíos incluyen la escasez de recursos financieros y humanos, limitando la profundidad y calidad de la evaluación; las restricciones en el acceso a datos sensibles y preocupaciones de seguridad pueden obstaculizar la recopilación de información relevante. La falta de datos o su calidad deficiente afecta la validez de los resultados, mientras que la presencia de sesgos en la recopilación y análisis distorsiona los hallazgos. Decisiones éticas y legales, como equilibrar la privacidad con la necesidad de información, presentan desafíos significativos. Las estrategias de mejora incluyen asignación adecuada de recursos, colaboración con partes interesadas, la adherencia a estándares éticos y estrategias efectivas de participación.

Effective communication and desimination of RRIA results leads to amplifying the benefits. One thing I found helpful is to target thematic working groups and task forces.

When conducting a Refugee Rights Impact Assessment (RRIA), key considerations include ensuring the assessment addresses the specific needs and vulnerabilities of refugees, respects cultural diversity, involves meaningful consultation with affected communities, considers gender dimensions, evaluates potential socio-economic impacts, and incorporates a human rights-based approach to safeguard the well-being and dignity of refugees. Additionally, the RRIA should assess the legal and policy frameworks in place, potential risks of harm, and propose mitigation measures to address identified challenges.

modern refugee crisis, originating from geopolitical challenges and other turmoils, both cultures and people are equally impacted. Cultural sensitivity(CS) is vital in RRIA for recognising the difficulties of displacement. Refugees bring diverse cultural backgrounds, and incorporating CS helps in designing inclusive strategies to manage people and potential conflicts. Recognizing factors such as faith, family structures, gender roles & family heads provides significant insights for authorities. By includind CS into RRIA, policies and initiatives can respect and include the cultural fabric of refugees, enabling harmonious integration and contributing to the well-being of both refugees and the local people amidst displacement issues.