Conflict, migration and refugees in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Building human security platforms, local systems and capacity to protect the vulnerable.

Dr. Christie was awarded Research and Professional Development funds to examine the human security challenges and develop strategies to mitigate and protect the vulnerable.

With the Arab uprisings of 2010/2011, the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region has continually been subject to global attention over the devastation and chaos wrought. There are increasing numbers of educated refugees in protracted situations such as the Syrians’ and for the first time we have a surplus of university level refugees not fulfilling their potential and who could contribute to economic and educational development. Conflicts force refugees to reshuffle particularly in Turkey which hosts the largest displaced population. This paper will examine the human security challenges and solutions to these problems and develop strategies to mitigate and resolve them.