Sudanese and Somali Refugees in Urban Protracted Displacement, Jordan: Exploring Experiences of Dehumanisation and Restriction of Agency
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Abstract
This thesis explores the experiences of dehumanisation and restriction of agency of Sudanese
and Somali refugees living in urban protracted displacement in Jordan. These experiences are
conceptualised using Hannah Arendt’s theoretical framework of human rights and Heather
Johnson’s exposition of the agency of non-citizens. This thesis’ primary contribution is to add
knowledge to the under-researched, minority populations of Sudanese and Somali refugees in
Jordan. It also adds to broader literature on the experiences of refugees in protracted
situations in the Global South and contributes to overlooked areas of African identity in the
Arab World, and Southern-led responses to displacement. This thesis in an inter-disciplinary
study that adopts qualitative grounded theory methodology, conducting semi-structured
interviews with Sudanese and Somali refugees and key informants, and facilitating focus
group discussions with community leaders between March and May 2023 in Amman, Jordan.
The findings identify four major barriers shaping the refugees' experiences: Lack of access to
socio-economic rights, racism and discrimination, lack of integration and lack of legal
protection. The findings then address the root causes of these barriers with analysis of
Jordan's refugee response. Finally, the findings show how these experiences and barriers are
countered by the community through support networks, civic participation, and individual
acts of resistance.