Refugee Participation through Representative Committees: UNHCR and the Sudanese Committee in Beirut

Abstract

The notions of refugee participation and empowerment are core—but highly debated and poorly implemented—standards of humanitarian response. Drawing on empirical research in Lebanon, this article offers an account of the ways in which—and which not—meaningful refugee participation and empowerment are achieved through representative committees. Spotlighting the case of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-supported Sudanese refugee committee in Beirut 2014–2015, it focuses on three intricate and interrelated concerns—refugee participation, representation, and autonomy. The article finds that the design and function of the committee made it difficult for refugees to share authority with UNHCR over decisions that impact their lives. The committee was primarily seen by UNHCR as a good in and of itself rather than as an opportunity to actively involve refugees in decision-making processes. The article suggests that there is ample room for the development of more meaningful participation that better integrates the capabilities, preferences, and agencies of persons living as refugees.