Refugee journey infrastructures: Exploring migration trajectories from South Sudan to Uganda

Abstract

This article investigates the nature of refugee journeys by triangulating open-ended, closed, and spatial survey data collected among South Sudanese refugees in Northern Uganda. While much research focuses on migration pathways across borders into the Global North, knowledge about refugees' journeys within their countries of origin or to neighbouring countries is limited. By targeting refugees' initial journeys out of conflict settings, we shed light on this little-studied aspect of the refugee experience, with the aim to contribute to a better understanding of refugees' choices en route. We scrutinise the geographies and dynamics of refugee journeys, including the impact of conflict and violence, travel companions, information sources, assistance, and modes of transportation. We further analyse the links between these experiences and the complexity, length, and duration of refugees' journeys, aiming to map the varying significance of what refugees face during their journeys. Drawing on the migration infrastructure literature, we adapt and apply these concepts to refugee journeys, enhancing our understanding of refugees' initial journeys within and out of conflict settings, conceptualised as refugee journey infrastructures.