Abstract In over 50 states, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) conducts refugee status determination (RSD) but engages in various ‘capacity building’ initiatives to ultimately transfer or ‘hand over’ authority over RSD to states. In this article, we examine the recently concluded RSD-handover process in Turkey as a case study to analyse the power dynamics between UNHCR and states. Drawing on constructionist theories of international organizations and practice theory, we examine handovers as the interplay between UNHCR promoting RSD norms and practices and states’ interpretation and adaptation of the latter. Based on desk-based research and interviews with UNHCR officials, we outline the RSD-handover in Turkey in three stages and show that both parties engage in ongoing negotiations within an evolving community of practice. Using a multifaceted theorization of authority, we argue that even if formally delegated authority over RSD is transferred, the broader authority and power relations operate in a co-constituted way between the two parties.

Derya Ozkul

Natalie Welfens

Journal of Refugee Studies

Journal of Refugee Studies provides a forum for exploration of the complex problems of forced migration and national, regional and international responses. The Journal covers all categories of forcibly displaced people. Contributions that develop theoretical understandings of forced migration, or advance knowledge of concepts, policies and practice are welcomed from both academics and practitioners. Journal of Refugee Studies is a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal, and is published in association with the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford.

The Journal of Refugee Studies provides a forum for exploring the complex issues surrounding forced migration and the responses at national, regional, and international levels. The journal covers all categories of forcibly displaced individuals. Contributions that enhance theoretical understanding of forced migration or advance knowledge of related concepts, policies, and practices are welcomed from both academics and practitioners. The Journal of Refugee Studies is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal published in association with the Refugee Studies Centre at the University of Oxford.

《难民研究杂志》为探讨强迫迁移及国家、地区和国际响应的复杂问题提供了一个论坛。该期刊涵盖所有类别的被强迫迁移者。我们欢迎来自学术界和实践界的贡献，这些贡献能够发展对强迫迁移的理论理解，或推动对相关概念、政策和实践的知识进步。《难民研究杂志》是一本多学科的同行评审期刊，与牛津大学难民研究中心合作出版。

Category	Quartile
社会学	2
社会学, 人口学	3
社会学, 民族研究	3

UNHCR–state relations: transfer of authority over refugee status determination

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
ETHNIC STUDIES	1