TRAFIG (Transnational Figurations of Diplacement)

TRAFIG, Transnational Figurations of Displacement, is an EU-funded Horizon 2020 research and innovation project. From 2019 to 2022, 12 partner organisations investigate long-lasting displacement situations at multiple sites in Asia, Africa and Europe and analyse options to improve displaced people’s lives.

Displacement is normally regarded as a temporary phenomenon. Yet, about 16 million people— more than two thirds of 20.4 million refugees worldwide—have been in exile for long periods of time without prospects of return, resettlement or local integration. The number of internally displaced persons who cannot return is unknown. Both groups find themselves in protracted displacement.

The project aims at generating new knowledge to help develop solutions for protracted displacement that are tailored to the needs and capacities of persons affected by displacement. TRAFIG looks at how transnational and local networks as well as mobility are used as resources by displaced people to manage their everyday lives. It further looks at how in turn, connectivity and mobility can be operationalized to enhance the self-reliance and resilience of displaced people.

The TRAFIG concept, the findings of comprehensive policy analyses, and empirical research in Africa, Asia and Europe enable policy makers to effectively build upon displaced people’s own transnational strategies and experiences to find security, sustain their livelihoods and become resilient again.

All publications from the TRAFIG Project can be accessed via the TRAFIG-Website (Output | TRAFIG – Transnational Figurations of Displacement) and the permanent repository ZENODO (TRAFIG -Transnational Figurations of Displacement | Zenodo).