This paper seeks to analyse Syrian and Eritrean refugees' mobility experience across European borders, in a framework of mobility and insecurity. Drawing on the conflict model of migration, the paper focuses on the effects of migration and asylum policies when these are not in line with refugees’ needs and aspirations. We argue that when the asylum system does not meet with those expectations, insecurity brings into play secondary movements, which occur in a framework of irregularity. The considerations behind this article are motivated by the empirical evidence that both Syrian and Eritrean refugees undertake irregular secondary migration, whilst being within a protection system that most of the times satisfies their asylum claims. This paper is the result of a qualitative research conducted in 2017 through observation, in-depth interviews with Syrian and Eritrean refugees, and consultations with experts and practitioners in Italy, Greece, Germany and Lebanon.

This chapter investigates the impact of forced family separation upon displaced Syrians in Lebanon and Germany. It is guided by two main research questions: How do Syrian households in Lebanon and Germany deal with the everyday insecurities brought about by displacement? And how do they do family in separation? Based on 18 months of fieldwork conducted in Germany and Lebanon in 2018 and 2019, the chapter examines everyday insecurities and coping strategies to explore parallels in the way Syrian households in different regions navigate separation and do family from afar. The main results of the study indicate that Syrian refugees in two different geographical contexts use similar coping mechanisms to respond to the everyday insecurities caused by life in separation. In particular, people in separated households established new social networks, consolidated family relationships with left-behind family members, and reinforced their religious beliefs and practices. The findings also show that the idea of family has blurred boundaries and multiple dimensions for separated households, with Syrian refugees experiencing separation both spatially and temporally.

This chapter gives an overview of the laws, policies and administrative practices that dictate family reunification in the countries discussed in this book, providing a frame of reference for considering specific questions of family separation in selected countries. First, we discuss the global and regional framework for international and human rights law. Brief country studies follow, focusing on the challenges forced migrants encounter with family reunification in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East: Sweden, Finland, Germany, the United States, Brazil, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon. The chapter concludes by bringing out aspects of migration policy that affect the enjoyment of family unity and the human right to respect for family life in these countries. We demonstrate that a variety of obstacles need to be overcome to have access to family reunification, reflecting the lack of clear rights to family reunification in international and human rights law. While some countries have legal restrictions in place, other countries have instituted administrative practices that prevent families from living together.

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This paper analyzes the role of alternative schooling systems in Lebanon, in breaking the structures that prevent Syrian refugee children from participating in the education process. Through in-depth interviews and participant observation carried out in 2018 in the Academic Centre of Minyara and the communities of displaced Syrians in the nearby area, I investigate the community-based approach to education in Academic Centre of Akkar. I argue that non-formal education, as it has been integrated into the formal schooling system of Lebanon, has the potential to challenge cultural and social reproduction and facilitate access to education for Syrian children.