Forced Migration Unit Policy Brief Series - PB 02/2018

HRLC’s Forced Migration Unit (FMU) is pleased to announce the publication of its second Policy Brief, Why Securitising the Sahel Will Not Stop Migration. This brief, by Daria Davitti and Anca-Elena Ursu, examines the political and military interventions in the Sahel by the EU and its Member States, aimed mainly at the securitisation of this key strategic region. Within this context the brief focuses on the implications of the recent escalation of these policies for Niger and for the vulnerable people who found themselves stranded in the region. It further highlights why the continuation of such an approach would not stop migration towards the EU and risks exacerbating existing tensions in the region, whilst also further endangering the refugees themselves.

The FMU Policy Brief Series is a result of a two day workshop convened by the Unit in November 2017 entitled, Tackling Root Causes? EU Aid and Governance to Control Migration. Participants of the workshop decided to create a network for more long term collaboration and the Series is their first initiative. It will address topics related to the EU’s approach to the external dimensions of its migration policy and will track, and respond to, key developments in this area.