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CEsA Working Paper investigates the complex relationship between forced displacement and human development
The research concludes that the most urgent factors driving forced migration are political violence, particularly civil conflicts, and climate change—both exacerbated by economic crises, food insecurity, and infrastructure damage.
How has refugee outflow evolved internationally? What are the root causes of forced displacement, and what characteristics do refugee-sending countries share? Is there a relationship between forced migration and human development? These are the key research questions explored by authors Marcela Rocha, Master in Development and International Cooperation (ISEG – Universidade de Lisboa), and Professor Eduardo Moraes Sarmento, PhD in Economics with a specialization in Tourism, in CEsA Working Paper No. 121/2025, titled A Glance at International Challenges of Refugee Crises in the New Millennium.
This paper is innovative in bridging refugee studies and development studies to investigate the relationship between forced displacement, its root causes, and human development. Using a qualitative case study methodology, the authors examined refugee outflows from the main origin countries—namely Afghanistan, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Venezuela (according to UNHCR)—to understand the drivers of these movements and their impact on development.
Working Paper No. 121/2025 can be downloaded from the CEsA collection, available in the Universidade de Lisboa Repository: https://repositorio.ulisboa.pt/handle/10400.5/97910
Abstract:
This study investigates the intricate relationship between forced displacement and human development. By examining refugee outflows from key regions, this paper seeks to comprehend the factors driving these movements and their development implications. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the research focuses on the five main refugee outflow countries in 2023. The paper finds that the most relevant factors that induce displacement are political violence, especially civil conflict, and climate change. Refugee emergencies have multiple aggravating elements, like economic crises, food insecurity, and infrastructure damage. Despite not identifying strong correlations between displacement and human development (measured through HDI), except for Syria, the study reveals that these emergencies are simultaneously humanitarian and developmental challenges. Repercussions are more prominent in the Global South since it is the origin and the destination of over 70% of displaced people. The findings reiterate the urgency for integrated policy responses that combine development and humanitarian efforts.
About the Authors
Marcela Rocha holds a Master’s degree in Development and International Cooperation (ISEG – University of Lisbon).
Eduardo Moraes Sarmento holds a PhD in Economics with a specialization in Tourism. He is the coordinator of the Master’s in Development and International Cooperation at ISEG (University of Lisbon), a researcher, president of CEsA, and a member of the Scientific Committee of ISEG Research.
Click here to explore the full collection of CEsA Working Papers.
Author: CEsA Communication Team (comunicacao@cesa.iseg.ulisboa.pt)
Image: Reproduction
Conference ’50 Years of Mozambican Literature: Trajectories and Creative Practices’ will take place on October 9-10 at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Conference ’50 Years of Mozambican Literature: Trajectories and Creative Practices’
Date: October 9-10, 2025. Free attendance. Time to be confirmed.
Venue:Room 1 of the congress area at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Av. de Berna, 45A, 1067-001 Lisbon)
Organised by: CEsA – Centre for African and Development Studies (CEsA/CSG/ISEG-ULisboa) and UEM – Eduardo Mondlane University
Supported by: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and CEsA/CSG/ISEG-ULisboa
Partnerships: University of Bayreuth, Sorbonne Nouvelle, and State University of Campinas
In the year marking 50 years since African Literatures became part of the curriculum at a Portuguese university (FLUL-ULisboa), this two-day conference, organised by CEsA – Centre for African and Development Studies (CSG/ISEG-ULisboa) in partnership and collaborative effort with Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) in Mozambique, will feature four thematic round tables. The event will bring together writers, artists, and university lecturers from Portugal and Mozambique to present and discuss developments in the creative and research practices of African literatures, focusing on the progress and future of Mozambican Literature over the past fifty years. Mozambican Literature is considered a unique example within Portuguese-speaking African literatures. Contributions from experts in African Literatures, particularly Mozambican Literature, from European universities (Bayreuth and Sorbonne Nouvelle) and Brazilian universities (UNICAMP – State University of Campinas) will also be included.
This two-day conference, 50 Years of Mozambican Literature: Trajectories and Creative Practices, will highlight the creative dimension as a driving force for research. By incorporating writers, editors, filmmakers, and artists, the event will showcase perspectives on the recent past—spanning half a century—within the realms of creation, teaching, publishing, and translation, while envisioning a promising future shaped by the experiences of younger generations.
Free attendance. Please note that the event does not include academic paper submissions.
Organising Committee:
Ana Mafalda Leite (FLUL/ULisboa and CEsA/CSG/ISEG/ULisboa)
Lucílio Manjate (UEM)
Scientific Committee:
Ana Mafalda Leite (FLUL/ULisboa and CEsA/CSG/ISEG/ULisboa)
Egídia Souto (Sorbonne Nouvelle)
Elena Brugioni (UNICAMP)
Elídio Nhamona (UEM)
Jessica Falconi (FLUL/ULisboa e CEsA/CSG/ISEG/ULisboa)
Joana Pereira Leite (CEsA/CSG/ISEG/ULisboa)
José Camilo Manusse (UEM)
Lucílio Manjate (UEM)
Ute Fendler (University of Bayreuth)
Author: CEsA Communication (comunicacao@cesa.iseg.ulisboa.pt)
Images: Reproduction
CEsA researcher opens exhibition ‘Deconstructing Colonialism, Decolonising the Imaginary. Portuguese Colonialism in Africa: Myths and Realities’
On October 29, 2024, Professor Isabel Castro Henriques, historian and CEsA researcher (CSG/ISEG-ULisboa, Portugal), inaugurated the exhibition Deconstructing Colonialism, Decolonizing the Imaginary. Portuguese Colonialism in Africa: Myths and Realities. The exhibition, on display at the largest temporary exhibition hall of the National Museum of Ethnology (Avenida da Ilha da Madeira, 1400-203 Lisbon), will run until November 2, 2025.
This project, conceived and coordinated by Professor Castro Henriques, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese Revolution of April 25, 1974. It emphasises the importance of revisiting, reflecting upen, and understanding the history of Portuguese colonialism in Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries to foster a more inclusive future. It is co-organised by CEsA – Center for African and Development Studies and the National Museum of Ethnology, with the support of the 50 Years of the 25th of April Commemorative Commission.
At the invitation of Professor Castro Henriques, the opening ceremony featured contributions from Eduardo Moraes Sarmento (Director of CEsA, CSG/ISEG-ULisboa), Paulo Ferreira da Costa (Director of the National Museum of Ethnology/Museum of Popular Art), Alexandre Pais (President of Portugal Museums and Monuments – EPE), and Maria de Lourdes Craveiro (Secretary of State for Culture). In his address, Sarmento evoked the poem Urgentemente by Eugénio de Andrade to underscore the values of freedom, culture, and memory as pillars of individual and collective experiences in building a more just and equitable society.
“Valuing culture, traditions, and memory can help overcome social inequalities and promote intercultural dialogue. Our community must play its part in preserving what we cannot afford to forget as a society. Only by learning from the lessons of the past can we avoid perpetuating them and reconcile with history,” said Sarmento at the exhibition’s opening.
Exhibition Structure
The exhibition is structured around two main themes:
- The Power of Historical Narrative – This section draws on the research of approximately 30 scholars and incorporates iconographic documentation provided by Portuguese and international institutions. It combines text and imagery to give historical knowledge a compelling voice.
- The Voices of African Cultures – Featuring 139 artworks, this section presents tangible evidence of African thought and cultures, challenging stereotypes rooted in colonial ideology. Highlights include pieces from the National Museum of Ethnology’s collections, items on loan from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and works from private collections belonging to Francisco Capelo, Lívio de Morais, Hilaire Balu Kuyangiko, and Mónica de Miranda.
The exhibition’s Executive Committee, chaired by Isabel Castro Henriques, includes Inocência Mata, Joana Pereira Leite, João Moreira da Silva, Luca Fazzini, and Mariana Castro Henriques. The Scientific Committee, also chaired by Castro Henriques, comprises 20 members, including António Pinto Ribeiro, Aurora Almada Santos, Elsa Peralta, Isabel do Carmo, and José Neves.
Parallel Program
The exhibition is accompanied by an extensive parallel program, which includes:
- A Cinema and Decolonisation Cycle, with screenings at ISEG and the National Museum of Ethnology;
- An Itinerant Exhibition, to be displayed in schools and cultural centers across Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking regions in Africa and Brazil,
- A Series of Talks, titled Deconstructing Racism, Decolonising the Museum, Rethinking Knowledge, hosted at the National Museum of Ethnology, alongside scientific conferences and colloquia, exploring themes related to the exhibition;
- A complementary publication, Deconstructing Colonialism, Decolonizing the Imaginary, has been released by Colibri Editions. In its 344 pages, approximately 30 contributing researchers delve into the various topics covered in the exhibition.
For more details:
Exhibition ‘Deconstructing colonialism, Decolonising the imagination’ on display at the National Museum of Ethnology until November 2, 2025
Exhibition ‘Deconstructing colonialism, Decolonising the imagination’ [National Museum of Ethnology’s website]
Exhibition ‘Deconstructing colonialism, Decolonising the imagination’ [50 Years of the 25th of April Commemorative Commission’s website, only in Portuguese]
Cinema and Decolonisation Cycle to screen films as part of the exhibition ‘Deconstructing Colonialism, Decolonising the Imagination;’ Opening session on November 9 at ISEG
Exhibition on colonialism at the National Museum of Ethnology [ISEG’s website]
Desconstructing Colonialism, Descolonising Imaginary [Edições Colibri’s website]
Author: CEsA Communications (comunicacao@cesa.iseg.ulisboa.pt) with information from the Communications of the National Museum of Ethnoloy
Image: Iria Simões
CEsA History Website and Brochure
The moment of celebrating 40 years of the foundation of CEsA, and 30 years of the creation of ISEG’s Masters in Development and International Cooperation, offers us a unique opportunity to remember the trajectory and legacy in the field of research in Portugal, with the launch of a website and a brochure on the history of CEsA: https://cesa.rc.iseg.ulisboa.pt/cesa-40-anos/
