Sudanese and Somali Refugees in Urban Protracted Displacement, Jordan: Exploring Experiences of Dehumanisation and Restriction of Agency

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.