The International Center for Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) organized the Research Proposal Defense for the Emerging Scholars Research Awards (ESRA) of 2024 on April 23rd, 2024 at Training Hall, SS Block, BUITEMS, Quetta. A total of 23 applicants from Balochistan, 12 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2 from Punjab, and 6 from Islamabad submitted proposals under diverse themes including Healthcare, Livelihood and Market Inclusivity, Education, Climate Change, Social Welfare, and WASH.
The event commenced with the recitation of holy verses from the Quran, followed by opening remarks from the Dr. Rahila Umer, Director of ICRMS. Esteemed evaluators, Dr. Raziq, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) at BUITEMS, and Dr. Kamran Sami, Director of the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at BUITEMS, were present to assess the proposals.
Representatives from various organizations such as WESS, Taraqee Foundation, Tameer-e-Khalq Foundation (TKF), and Innovative Development Organization (IDO) attended the event alongside the shortlisted 9 presenters of the research proposals. Additionally, Ms. Sajida Mehdi, CBP Associate UNHCR, and Mr. Jalal Ahmed, Assistant Program Officer from UNHCR, also joined the occasion.
The event served as a platform for scholars and organizations to collaborate and discuss innovative research ideas aimed at addressing pressing issues in refugee and migration studies. The topics are as follows,
1. Social Determinants of Reproductive Health Among Afghan Women in Peshawar and Charsadda Refugee Camps KPK.
Researcher: Ms. Moneeka
2. Intolerance of uncertainty, psychological well-being, and future fears among refugees.
Researcher: Ms. Amna
3. Assessing the Long-Term Viability of NGO-led Female Entrepreneurship in Balochistan: A Case Study of Refugee Women Post-Forced Repatriation of 2023.
Researcher: Ms. Rida Ejaz
4. The Role of UNHCR partner organizations in creating Job opportunities for Afghan Refugees in Quetta.
Researcher: Mr. Waseem ur Rehman
5. Impact of Outreach Volunteer Programs of UNHCR in Educational Sectors of Refugee Camps.
Researcher: Ms. Kiran
6. Assessing the Impact of Climate Induced Migration on Gender Imbalance and Vulnerabilities among Women: A Case Study on Muzaffargarh, Pakistan.
Researcher: Ms. Semi Roheela
7. Harmony amidst struggle: Navigating Social Cohesion between Afghan Refugees and Host Communities in Quetta, Pakistan.
Researcher: Ms. Sarina Tareen
8. Bacterial Profiling of Drinking Water at Urban Afghan Refugee Camps in Balochistan: Identification of Potential Pathogenic Bacteria in Drinking Water, and Sustainable Solutions for Water Purification.
Researcher: Ms. Baneen Fatima
The event concluded with remarks from Dr. Raziq, who emphasized the importance of scientific research and innovative solutions in addressing forced migration, displacement, and refugee protection in Balochistan. He expressed gratitude to UNHCR for their support in facilitating research on these critical issues.