Experiences of 'unsettlement': exploring the 'integration' of Palestinian and Colombian refugees resettled in Chile and Brazil.

Abstract

This thesis explores the experiences of resettlement of a group of Palestinian and Colombian refugees in Chile and Brazil. The study looks at the ‘integration processes’ of both communities in each country and reviews refugee resettlement as a durable solution in Latin America. Through extensive qualitative-driven mixed-methods research with two communities in two countries, the research explores some of the multiple scales, dimensions and spaces where the resettlement experience unfolds. The findings of the research reveal that the ´integration´ of resettled refugees in Chile and Brazil involves a constant (re)negotiation of access, identities and agency, within a context of social and structural constraints. The thesis further proposes understandings of refugee integration in the context of emergent resettlement countries without solid structures for refugee assistance. I argue that ‘integration’ is a translocal, multidimensional and multi-scale experience. It is characterised by unsettlement and uncertainty, by experiences of longing and belonging, and challenged by limitations to the practice of citizenship. The findings also show that despite the resettlement organisations’ efforts to improve access and material conditions, their relationship with refugees has been characterised by power imbalances and tensions emerging from mutual unfulfilled expectations. The thesis contributes to the understanding of refugees’ experiences in the context of south-south humanitarian responses, providing new insights about refugee integration and reflecting on the implementation of the resettlement programme from the perspective of the refugees