Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

As transnational movements and crises become more emblematic of the state of contemporary global affairs, the need for new frameworks of analyses has become imperative in order to ensure most effective approaches. Of these transnational crises, the world currently faces the highest level of displacement ever witnessed, making forced migration a pertinent issue to address. In particular, the Syrian civil war has forced millions to flee, most of which have resettled in Turkey, the country which hosts the highest number of refugees worldwide. Therefore, Turkey demonstrates a relevant context to analyze forced migration through a human security framework. Human security provides a tool for comprehensive analysis through the synergy of security, development, and human rights. Nevertheless, feminist scholars have also pointed to the need for a gender analysis in human security policy. Based upon interviews with groups that work with refugees in Turkey, such as the Turkish government, international organizations, NGOs, and researchers, in addition to a focus group with refugee women, this paper shows the importance of utilizing gender and human security to address current transnational challenges.