News & Events

Integration and Development: Need for Dialogue

​How does integration in the country of settlement matter for diaspora members’ development engagements in the Global South? And how has this intersection been addressed in policy and practice?

Thursday, 22 Apr 2021 – Read more...

Podcast: New perspectives on migrant smuggling

In a recent podcast episode, Jørgen Carling talks with Indigo Trigg-Hauger of PRIO's Peace in a Pod about the role of smugglers in migration processes. For many years, researchers have questioned the dominant portrayal of migrant smugglers as cynical criminals. Jørgen extends the argument and shows how smugglers have even become a valuable asset for governments under political pressure.

Saturday, 17 Apr 2021 – Read more...

PRIO Migration Centre welcomes MA students from the University of Oslo

The PRIO Migration Centre welcomes applications from MA students at the University of Oslo who would like to write their thesis at the centre. This opportunity is part of the UiO-PRIO MA Student Programme.

Saturday, 10 Apr 2021 – Read more...

What predicts asylum migration flows?

In a new study published in Nature Communications, PRIO researchers use a machine-learning analysis framework to identify leading predictors of contemporary asylum migration to the European Union. The study finds little evidence that climatic shocks or deteriorating economic conditions predict near-future arrivals of asylum seekers in Europe, contrasting commonly held notions of economy- and climate-driven asylum migrants. Instead, indicators capturing levels of political violence and violations of physical integrity rights in countries of origin are important predictors of asylum migration flows, suggesting that migrants are continuing to use the asylum system as intended – i.e., to seek international protection from a well-founded fear of persecution – despite the fact that most applicants ultimately are rejected refugee status. The article is a product of the ERC-funded CLIMSEC project and is published as open access.

Schutte, Sebastian; Jonas Vestby, Jørgen Carling & Halvard Buhaug (2021) Climatic conditions are weak predictors of asylum migration, Nature Communications 12: 2067.

Tuesday, 06 Apr 2021 – Read more...

Debating structural racism in Norway

​A lack of a sense of belonging is destructive. So perhaps it is wise to examine both structural racism and everyday racism more closely, also in Norway. Recent debates on structural racism in Norway have been more polarized than necessary, while often ignoring that lack of a sense of belonging can be experienced as both acutely alienating and gradually destructive. But do such debates contribute to fostering a better sense of belonging in Norwegian society, on an equal basis, for all children and young people who are born in Norway? 

Monday, 22 Mar 2021 – Read more...