Vulnerability of refugees: Some reflections on definitions and measurement practices

The legal and policy discourse on refugees has been mainly focusing on the labelling of particularly vulnerable persons or groups, while it has neglected to offer reflections on the effects of definitions and assessment practices over the creation of stereotypes and of biases in the identification of beneficiaries of protection. The aim of this paper was to offer some reflections on the how categories of vulnerability defined by international and supranational law are operationalised and implemented in the practice of the vulnerability assessment inside the humanitarian organisations. Our analysis shows that the vagueness of the legal definitions affects the way in which humanitarian organisations operationalise it. It also shows that the complexity of the relationships among the various vulnerability dimensions has generally been underrated in both scholarly writings and humanitarian practices. Thus, we outline the basis for alternative responses by the agencies engaged in vulnerability assessment practices.

Automated summary

The legal and policy discourse on refugees has mainly focused on labelling vulnerable persons or groups, neglecting reflections on the impact of definitions and assessment practices on stereotypes and biases in identifying beneficiaries of protection. This paper examines how categories of vulnerability defined by international law are implemented in practice, highlighting the vagueness of legal definitions and the complexity of relationships among vulnerability dimensions that have been overlooked in scholarly writings and humanitarian practices. Alternative responses to vulnerability assessment practices are outlined for agencies to consider.