Refugees and the peacebuilding process

This paper outlines how the prolonged presence of refugees in neighbouring countries is one cross-border dynamic that may affect peacebuilding in the country of origin in both positive and negative ways. It outlines how the presence of refugees in the region may undermine peacebuilding through the presence of ‘spoilers’ in refugee populated areas, pressure on fragile institutions and services caused by early and mass repatriation and the potential politicization of refugees in exile, thereby undermining reconciliation upon return, while considering the potential contribution that refugees can make to peacebuilding in their country of origin if they benefit from skills training and self-reliance while in exile.