Declaration of The Hague on the Future of Refugee and Migration Policy
THP HANDBOOK/GLOSSARY

 BASIC TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN THE FIELD OF REFUGEE AND MIGRATION POLICY

 Because words matter

Migration undisputably continues to move higher on the international agenda and has recently been the focus of highly sensitive debates and growing media attention in a variety of contexts. Other related issues have only emerged recently, including the situation of internally displaced persons, or the contours of the `migration-development nexus’. Meanwhile, the future of international refugee protection and national asylum policies appears increasingly fragile and uncertain. A vocabulary, a terminology has evolved to cover standing and emerging issues as they also relate to the larger fields of human rights and development. While it is by no means accepted by all and is thus not definitive, it seemed indicated to take stock of present use of terms and concepts. Building on existing documents and resources, and through consultations with its Club of The Hague and Network members, THP is currently designing a handbook with a view to be accessible to a general public which may not be familiar with the realities or discussions in the field of refugee and migration policy. Another intended audience of the handbook is the media. Words matter, for labels impact people’s views and lives and ultimately shape policy responses. Civil society and the private sector play an increasingly important role in migration, and we also hope this handbook will be of use to them. A draft will be available soon on this page for open comments For more information, please contact Antoine Meyer - Editor and Project Coordinator szmeyea@szw.denhaag.nl