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Sustainability in Refugee Camps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

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  • Mai Wardeh

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Rui Cunha Marques

    (Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

Many studies have stated the results of interventions presented in refugee camps to improve the quality of refugees’ lives and reduce their suffering. However, there has been no formal systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the evidence of the relative effectiveness of these interventions along with sustainability and the current 2030 Agenda. We developed a comprehensive search strategy designed to identify all peer-reviewed articles that presented interventions related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a refugee camp setting. We examined only articles with a specific focus on development goals. We screened the titles and, where necessary, the abstracts of 1108 publications. Seventy-two studies were judged to contain relevant evidence and were reviewed in detail. Data were extracted from these studies and pooled by meta-analysis to provide summary estimates of the effectiveness of existing procedures. Health and education sectors were the most frequently discussed SDGs. Results and recommendations from included studies were categorized into seven sectors: planning, development, and shelters; health and well-being; education; water and sanitation; energy; work and economic growth; and others. In order to improve the quality of life of refugees and internally displaced persons living in camps, more research that addresses both SDGs and camp planning and management is needed. This study is the first review found in the literature to report on sustainability in refugee camps.

Suggested Citation

  • Mai Wardeh & Rui Cunha Marques, 2021. "Sustainability in Refugee Camps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:7686-:d:591407
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elizabeth Presler-Marshall & Nicola Jones & Kifah Bani Odeh, 2020. "‘Even though I Am Blind, I Am Still Human!’: the Neglect of Adolescents with Disabilities’ Human Rights in Conflict-Affected Contexts," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 13(2), pages 513-531, April.
    2. Kelli K. Garcia & Lawrence O. Gostin, 2012. "One Health, One World—The Intersecting Legal Regimes of Trade, Climate Change, Food Security, Humanitarian Crises, and Migration," Laws, MDPI, vol. 1(1), pages 1-35, April.
    3. Jaime Moreno-Serna & Teresa Sánchez-Chaparro & Javier Mazorra & Ander Arzamendi & Leda Stott & Carlos Mataix, 2020. "Transformational Collaboration for the SDGs: The Alianza Shire’s Work to Provide Energy Access in Refugee Camps and Host Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-28, January.
    4. Rehan Khan Muhammad, 2011. "International Forced Migration and Pak- Afghan Development Concerns: Exploring Afghan Refugee Livelihood Strategies," Journal of Social and Development Sciences, AMH International, vol. 2(4), pages 181-187.
    5. Henrik Urdal & Chi Primus Che, 2013. "War and Gender Inequalities in Health: The Impact of Armed Conflict on Fertility and Maternal Mortality," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(4), pages 489-510, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mai Wardeh & Rui Cunha Marques, 2023. "Measuring the SDGs in Refugee Camps: An Insight into Arab States Bordering Syria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-26, January.
    2. Reem Alkharouf & Ali Shehadeh & Khaled Khazaleh & Azzam Al-Azzam & Muneer Khalayleh, 2023. "Assessing Refugee Preferences for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) Solutions in Irbid Camp and Sakhra Region: Cultivated Roofs and Refrigerators as Food Banks Interventions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-27, August.

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