Causes of family separation and barriers to reunification: Syrian refugees in Jordan
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Since 2011, the war in Syria has resulted in the displacement of 12.2 million people. Over 5.6 million have fled Syria to seek asylum in neighbouring countries, while 6.6 million have been internally displaced. Family separation, with significant psychological, social and economic implications, is a key concern for those who flee violence and cross international borders. This qualitative study sought to understand the causes of separation among Syrian families in Jordan and the obstacles to family reunification. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 85 Syrian refugee families identified as having separated family members. We present critical moments during migration when family separation occurs: (1) while fleeing Syria, (2) while residing in Jordan and (3) pre-existing separation due to work or travel that was exacerbated by the conflict. We also highlight the factors that perpetuate separation among families, preventing or delaying them from reuniting. These findings may help to inform more humane family reunification practices as well as identify future research and learning needs.
Source: Journal of Refugee Studies
DOI: 10.1093/jrs/feaa033
Authors: Hannah Chandler, Neil Boothby, Zahirah McNatt, Margaret Berrigan, Laura Zebib, Patricia Elaine Freels, Hamza Alshannaq, Noor Majdalani, Ahmed Mahmoud, Esraa Majd
Language: English
Topic: Migration and Exile Studies
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3043454635