Internal Displacement, Conflict and Protection from Coursera

This course provides insight into the phenomenon of internal displacement, a major humanitarian and development challenge in today’s world. Taking a global perspective, you will learn about who internally displaced persons (IDPs) are and where they come from, as well as delving into the fundamentals of the global protection response for IDPs and potential ‘solutions’ for those who have been internally displaced. The course places you at the centre of the learning experience through engagement with a range of robust and challenging activities, materials and online peer engagement.

This course has been developed by a specialised consortium of research networks and institutions working on IDP protection and research:

• Global Engagement Network on Internal Displacement in Africa

• Latin American Network on Internal Displacement

• Middle East Network for Research on Internal Displacement

• Internal Displacement Research Programme and Birkbeck at the University of London.

Learners who have completed this course may seek to continue studying on our online Master’s programme in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies. In 2019, this MA was awarded the prestigious Roger Mills Prize for its innovative approach to online learning. That programme builds upon the MOOC experience, delivering a fully accredited Master’s degree in an online learning environment.

The development of this course was supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), on behalf of the UKRI Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) as part of the funded project “Interdisciplinary Network on Internal Displacement, Conflict and Protection” (AH/T005351/1), working in collaboration with network leaders Dr Beatriz Sanchez Mojica, Dr Hana Asfour and Dr Romola Adeola.

Key learning objectives:

• Explain the main trends in internal displacement, and why IDPs merit special assistance

• Assess ‘protection’ and ‘solutions’ for IDPs, including the links to development

• Evaluate the experience of internal displacement, drawing on research and creative sources

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Syllabus

Course Introduction

This session introduces you to this online training programme, its learning objectives and the essential skills that we envisage you will learn. Please review the Key Information document, the Course Introduction video and activities and then proceed to our first weekly lesson: ' Internal displacement: scale, causes and effects’.

Week 1: Internal displacement: scale, causes and effects

Internal displacement due to armed conflict is a global phenomenon in today’s world. This session introduces you to key figures on the scale of internal displacement globally, as well as current trends in the drivers of internal displacement and its effects on those displaced.

Week 2: The emergence of IDP law, policy and institutions

Since the 1990s, the fundamentals of an international system for responding to the protection and assistance needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have become increasingly established. This session introduces you to debates around the emergence of IDPs as a global category of concern. This session also outlines the main features of the framework for IDP protection at global, regional and national levels, as well as the roles of the main institutional actors at the international level in responding to internal displacement.

Week 3: IDP protection in practice

Last week, you studied law and policy frameworks on IDP ‘protection’ – but, in situations of conflict, what does that mean in practice? This session will examine not only the main elements of the term ‘protection’ in conflict contexts but also the practical challenges and responses to attempting to provide protection to IDPs during conflict. This week will also ask you to think about protection as a state that is not only provided by others but which also be developed through the agency of IDP communities that have their own mechanisms for self-protection in conflict contexts.

Week 4: Displacement solutions and development

This session analyses ‘durable solutions’ to internal displacement. This concept describes three processes through which IDPs overcome the vulnerability imposed by displacement and retake control of their lives. The session will explore the conceptual content of such solutions. It will also show that, in practice, the pursuit of durable solutions engages not only humanitarian concerns but also long-term processes of development. This week will also assess the specific challenges of achieving durable solutions in light of the growing number of urban IDPs who seek to re-establish themselves in cities and other urban contexts.

Week 5: IDPs in social context

This session introduces you to the role of identity and social status in shaping women and men’s experiences of displacement as well as responses to displacement. It will give you a better understanding of the social impact of displacement on women and men at the individual, familial and community level. This session also asks you to think about how gender and other social markers can influence experiences of displacement.

Week 6: Internal displacement as lived experience

This session explores the lived experience of internal displacement and looks at how IDP narratives are used in creative and advocacy contexts. The sources for this session highlight some of the key issues faced by IDPs – such as building/rebuilding homes, access to education, relationships with host communities – and provide a showcase of the varying ways IDPs give creative expression to their experiences. This week also asks you to consider how IDP testimony can elevate issues of internal displacement in the public sphere.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps students explore the challenges of protecting and assisting the increasing number of urban IDPs who seek to re-establish themselves in cities and other urban contexts

Develops understanding of social impact of displacement on women and men at the individual, familial and community level

Examines narratives of IDPs used in creative and advocacy contexts, highlighting a variety of issues and perspectives

Taught by recognized professors: David Cantor, Dr Agnes Woolley

Offers a global perspective on internal displacement, focusing on who internally displaced persons (IDPs) are and where they come from

Provides insight into the phenomenon of internal displacement, a major humanitarian and development challenge in today’s world

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Internal Displacement, Conflict and Protection with these activities:

Refresh fundamental understandings of human rights

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Reviewing foundational knowledge of human rights will help build a stronger foundation for your learning in this course.

Browse courses on Human Rights

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Review basic concepts of human rights, including their nature, history, and key principles
Familiarize yourself with the main human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Consider the various perspectives on the concept of human rights and their different interpretations across different cultures and societies

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Career center

Learners who complete Internal Displacement, Conflict and Protection will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations and individuals. Consultants may work in a variety of fields, such as business, finance, and technology. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful for developing the skills required for success in consulting, such as problem-solving and analytical reasoning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Human Rights Officer

Human Rights Officers seek to maximize the accessibility of human rights protections for all people. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful in teaching successful strategies for building and maintaining inclusive human rights programs.

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Mediator

Mediators help people resolve disputes and reach agreements. Mediators may work in a variety of settings, such as law firms, businesses, and community organizations. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful in teaching principles of conflict resolution.

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Advocate

Advocates represent and defend the rights of individuals and groups. Advocates may work on a variety of issues, such as civil rights, environmental protection, and disability rights. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the rights of internally displaced persons.

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Government Relations Officer

Government Relations Officers monitor legislative activity, provide updates on legal changes, and prepare testimony for government committees. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful in understanding laws and policies that affect internal displacement.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze policy issues and provide recommendations. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful in developing the critical thinking and analytical skills required to be a successful Policy Analyst.

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Legal Assistant

Legal Assistants provide legal services to individuals and businesses. Legal Assistants may prepare legal documents, conduct research, and communicate with clients. This course, may be useful in gaining a foundation in legal procedures and principles, as well as developing vital analytical reasoning skills.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. Teachers may work in a variety of settings, such as public schools, private schools, and colleges and universities. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by internally displaced persons.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies and collect data to answer questions and solve problems. Researchers may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, government agencies, and businesses. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful for developing methods for conducting research on the impacts of internal displacement.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues. Journalists may work for a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and television news. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful in developing the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to be a successful Journalist.

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Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to people who have been affected by disasters or conflicts. Humanitarian Aid Workers may work for organizations such as the Red Cross or the United Nations. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful for gaining practical knowledge and skills in providing humanitarian aid.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate the social welfare system. Social Workers help people access educational, social, and health care services. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful in teaching effective methods for implementing social welfare programs.

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International Development Worker

International Development Workers help to improve the living conditions of people in developing countries. International Development Workers may work on projects related to health, education, and economic development. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful for developing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect the lives of people in developing countries.

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Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, such as informing, educating, and entertaining. Writers may work in a variety of settings, such as newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful in improving writing skills and gaining a deep understanding of a variety of writing styles and genres.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Managers may also be responsible for fundraising, budgeting, and human resources. This course, which covers the causes and effects of internal displacement, as well as protection and assistance for the displaced, may be useful for learning how to manage and lead organizations assisting those who are internally displaced.

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