ChangeMakers Research

We take a rights-based approach to all our work at ChangeMakers, including research. Our research is guided by the priorities of refugee-background communities. We conduct, coordinate, and support rights-based research that informs refugee resettlement policy and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Activities include research about family reunification and applying a human rights-based approach to resettlement processes, and coordinating a national register of refugee-related research.

Research activities and findings are publicly available and used to raise awareness and influence policy and resettlement services.

*  *  *

ChangeMakers research - and research-driven resources - includes:

How bullying affects us: refugee-background youth talk back: This is a resource for educators, refugee-background families, their communities, and refugee organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. To find out more or purchase this resource, contact alia@crf.org.nz.

Wellington refugee youth issues summary: This jointly-written report provides a backgrounder for government and NGOs working with refugee-background youth. This resource summarises refugee-background youth issues in Wellington and is a starting point for promoting action on the issues.

Rights-based approaches to mental health services with refugees: An annotated bibliography: This literature review provides an overview of Aotearoa New Zealand and international literature relating to rights-based approaches to mental health services with former refugees. This resource is intended to support both therapy services and advocacy.

Barriers to achieving good health outcomes in refugee-background communities: This report aims to increase understanding of the health requirements of refugee-background communities by highlighting the many cross-cutting health issues that are barriers to achieving and maintaining good health and documenting research participants’ suggestions on how these issues could be addressed.

An equitable education: Achieving equity status and measures to ensure equality for refugee-background tertiary students in Aotearoa New Zealand: The aim of this paper is to advocate for refugee-background tertiary students to be recognised as an equity group both in government policy and at universities and polytechnics throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. The paper is being released in late August 2011.

Refugee family reunification in Wellington: This is a jointly-produced discussion paper about the issues surrounding family reunification that uses information from consultation over many years with refugee communities.

*  *  *

The Directory of Aotearoa New Zealand refugee-related research and researchers.

‍The directory is an opportunity for researchers, community organisations, and agencies to share resources, and work together to achieve an even stronger outcome for refugee-background communities. Click here for our directory.

*  *  *

ChangeMakers Refugee Forum Research Policy
We believe it is important to be transparent about the policies that guide our work. Click here for our policy.

*  *  *

Guidelines for researchers
We are often asked to take part in research and to link researchers with refugee communities, and we encourage your interest - and interaction with - our communities.

Our 'Guidelines for Research with Refugees in Aotearoa New Zealand' can help you in your work and ensure that the outcomes of your research benefit our communities. Click here for the full guidelines or for a quick reference sheet.

*  *  *

For more information, email Alia Bloom, Research Coordinator or Muktar Sheikh, Research Advocate, or phone (04) 801 5812.