CHAPTER ONE Defining the problem

Any examination of long-standing refugee populations in the developing world should begin with a definition of the nature and causes of protracted refugee situations. ¹ Such a definition has remained elusive in recent years and this may have frustrated efforts to formulate effective policy responses. A more detailed understanding of the global scope and growing importance of the problem is also important as a basis for understanding the commonalities and differences of various protracted refugee situations, both contemporary and historical. The objective of this chapter is to provide analytical tools with which to examine protracted refugee situations.