How Oral History Can Improve Outcomes for Refugees and Host Communities

Le résumé fourni par la source

This introductory chapter shows readers that applied oral history with refugees is a growing, cost-effective practice that can bring a range of social, political and economic benefits. A table shows eight different professions that are currently doing oral history with refugees. We see why it is so well adapted to the refugee journey: it is an inexpensive, person-centered approach that refugees find dignifying; it can be done in the field, in transit or outdoors; it can give voice to suppressed accounts of political and military events; it can help build relationships with the host community; it can assist with policy by listening to the needs of service-users; and with specialized psychology skills, it can be part of therapy for recovering from trauma. Readers see the contrast with an expensive refugee program that failed in its goals, but could have succeeded through more organized listening to service-users. The chapter overturns some of the preconceptions that the public tend to have about refugees. We examine the surge of global innovation currently responding to refugee issues, and the official calls from the United Nations inviting everyone to join in. We see how lateral thinking, innovation and new synergies are the approaches recommended now for the design and delivery of services around refugees. We also examine who refugees really are – the immense diversity of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and how these affect their future outcomes. Finally, we take a look at the future costs of failing to manage the world refugee crisis. The chapter closes with an informed ‘myth-busting’ exploration of the relationship between refugees and the threat of terrorism.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.