Towards a Spatial Analysis of Refugees Working Outside Camps

Author: Neikirk, Alice & Nickson, Ray

Abstract: In Nepal, Bhutanese refugees sought economic opportunities outside the UNHCR-operated refugee camps. While both males and females experienced exploitation, distance from the camps was a key variable when determining vulnerability to exploitation. Where victimization occurred was more indicative of vulnerability to trafficking than gender. This article proposes that Zones of Vulnerability help understand risk in relation to human trafficking for refugee residents in camps. This has direct application to the design of existing and future refugee camps in relation to neighboring communities. A spatial consideration of vulnerability can also help broaden understanding of who victims of trafficking or labor exploitation are and reduce the current stigma that female trafficking victims face when attempting to reintegrate into their communities.

Keywords: refugee, gender, labor, trafficking, vulnerability