Free Movement of Refugees: A Security Threat?

Although the freedom of movement of refugees is enshrined in the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, most signatories to the Convention repeatedly restrict the right to move for refugees owing to fear of conflict between refugees and the host population. However, this claim has never been systematically tested. Despite the fact that literature on refugee policies is extensive, no study has yet investigated the effects of free movement policies on conflict. Using novel data on refugee policies and settlements in Africa between 1999 and 2010, I show that, contrary to the fear of policy-makers, the freedom of movement of refugees does not heighten the risk of conflict. Instead, I argue, allowing refugees to move freely within the host territory reduces the risk of refugee-related conflict as livelihood opportunities are increased. Restrictive refugee policies are thus not a solution to prevent conflict between refugees and hosts.