Violence Along Migration Routes: A Systematic Review

• In Event: Critical Approaches to the Study of the Crisis in Politics and Policymaking

Abstract

This research comprises a systematic review of the academic literature that locates interpersonal violence on migration journeys globally. A lack of clear legal routes for migration that is motivated by myriad factors (including but not limited to conflict, environmental events, persecution, economic deprivation, and health) produces irregular movement. Much existing research has identified violence along these routes against a population that has little recourse to the law, and is highly vulnerable. Moreover, this violence is often carried out by law enforcement officers, border enforcement officers, or other agents of the state. There does not exist to date a systematic review of violence in global irregular migration, yet this would be a significant contribution to clarify the current state of research that often transcends disciplinary boundaries. Relevant empirical reports from the UNODC and the Council of Europe find that there is a lack of official accurate measurement and reporting on irregular or undocumented migration. This systematic review of violence in global migration processes will identify and review a dataset comprised of scholarly work published on this topic to clarify what we know about interpersonal violence in global migration and to assess the evidence. Meta-analysis of existing data will identify the most robust conclusions and what further questions are raised. Based on this data, the systematic review will confidently assess the current state of research and propose directions for ongoing and future research projects with a view to resolving the lack of capacity to measure and report violence in global migration.

Author

• Alexandria J. Innes, City, University of London