One-Sided Violence in Refugee-Populated Areas

Abstract

Previous research demonstrates that refugee populations can threaten the security of receiving countries. This study, in contrast, seeks to examine the physical security challenges refugees face in host states. It utilizes a new, geographically-referenced dataset on sub-country refugee demographics to test the hypothesis that regions home to larger refugee populations are more likely to experience one-sided attacks by conflict actors. Results demonstrate that refugee accommodation is a significant predictor of one-sided violence in Africa. In particular, combatants commit significantly more acts of violence against civilians in regions home to larger numbers of self-settled refugees compared to other regions. These findings have important implications for the United Nations’ civilian protection mandate, and further suggest that scholars and practitioners account for possible dangers presented by refugee flows and threats to refugees simultaneously.