About Human Mobility in Times of Crisis

This collection is now closed to submissions.

Crises such as military conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics, political upheavals and economic crises produce migration as well as involuntary immobility. Such pressure on human mobility causes various disruptions not only with regard to the day-to day lives of millions, but also with regard to different patterns/forms of mobility and the interconnectedness of the world. The reconfiguration of border regimes and the forced mobility and immobility at times of crisis can seriously shape, disrupt and at times cut completely human movements and transnational relations/networks.

Human Mobility in Times of Crisis publishes original research on topics surrounding migration, availability and flexibility of internal and global mobilities, routes and the changing policies around border and migration regimes in times of crisis. We welcome political scientists, demographers, geographers, economists, sociologists, public policy, and public health specialists to publish their research in this important topic.

The papers may provide a sociological, legal, political and/or economic analysis of the issues regarding mobilities and migration flows around the world in times of crisis. They may also provide insights into the public health consequences of border closures, health and hygiene in refugee camps and waiting areas, and the availability of healthcare for immigrants during and after crises.

Contributors may consider focusing on key issues including but not limited to:

• Availability and flexibility of migration routes in times of crisis
• Human right abuses immigrants face during and after conflicts
• Labor migration flows and human capital flight
• Patterns of vulnerability, inadequacy of immigration policies and exploitation
• Immigrants’ access to health care during and after natural disasters
• Irregular migrant welfare
• Forced displacement during and after political upheavals
• Internal migration, changing demographics, and public policies due to conflicts
• The construction of particular mobility narratives as ‘crisis’

Submissions using qualitative and/or quantitative methods are welcomed, as is methodological reflection on the challenges regarding collecting data and conducting research on vulnerable communities and associated stakeholders.

Keywords: human mobility, immigration, emigration, displacement, labor migrations, immigrant welfare, public health, pandemic, COVID-19, war, refugees

Any questions about this collection? Please email research@f1000.com

This collection is associated with the Human Migration Research Gateway.