On the Margins: Noncitizens Caught in Countries Experiencing Violence, Conflict and Disaster

Today, perhaps more than ever, humanitarian crises permeate the lives of millions, triggering increased human movement and repeatedly testing the international community's capacity to respond. Stakeholders within the international community have recognized that existing legal and institutional frameworks for protecting forced migrants are inadequate to address the diversity of movements and needs. This article examines the situation of non-citizens who are caught in violence, conflict, and disaster, and asserts that they are an at-risk population requiring tailored responses. This article seeks to inform ways to mitigate the vulnerabilities and address unmet assistance and protection needs of non-citizens caught in countries experiencing crises. It focuses primarily on vulnerabilities experienced during crises, acknowledging the importance of preventative action that targets the potential vulnerabilities and needs of non-citizens. The observations presented in this paper are drawn from desk research on a limited number of situations, and therefore, the article is an introductory attempt to call attention to the issues at play when a crisis occurs, rather than an in-depth study of the subject. Adapted From Source Document