The Nexus Between Forced and Irregular Migration: Insights from Demography

Abstract

Sustained efforts in recent decades have resulted in more data on forced populations being available than at any other time in history, including on those who move irregularly. The overall picture of displaced populations globally as well as those at risk of (further) displacement and irregular migration, however, remains fragmented, uneven and for the most part incomplete. While new data collection methodologies are enhancing our understandings of some populations, others remain largely in the shadows, with little known of their demography and well-being. These populations—in origin, transit, host and destination—receive insufficient attention, and it may only be during mass migration or crisis events that light is shed on their demography and circumstances. The nexus between forced and irregular migration highlights how little we know about these populations, ultimately reducing the capacity of advocates, international organizations, donor countries as well as home, host and transit countries to argue for greater support of such populations.