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2019 research outputs found
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Taxation and Governance in Post-Apartheid South Africa: Prospects for a Fiscal Social Contract
Full text linkPost-apartheid South Africa is an intriguing case of a fiscal state where the positive tax-governance link that forms the basis of a productive fiscal social contract, has not materialized despite the presence of several factors that would normally work in favor of a fiscal contract: there is tax dominance in state revenue; a salient income tax that contributes the largest share of revenue; taxpayers are informed about how revenue is spent, and South Africa is a constitutional democracy where individual rights and freedoms are protected and executive constraint and accountability are part of the institutional architecture. This paper investigates the historical, political, and economic factors that have contributed to this outcome. It also investigates the prospects for a fiscal social contract to emerge in the future, considering the current weakness in governance and accountability, coerced tax collection in a low-trust environment, and non-transactional state-society dynamics
Fun, Violence, and Survival in Boko Haram
Full text linkWhile often framed as either victims or perpetrators, children within Boko Haram navigate a far more complex reality – one where violence coexists with moments of camaraderie and fun
Violence against children: Impact of parenting and community-based programs in low-and middle-income countries
Full text linkThis evidence review examines the effectiveness of parenting and community-based programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) aimed at reducing violence against children. The study synthesizes data from various interventions to understand the impact on reducing physical, emotional, and sexual violence within homes and communities. Key findings reveal that while certain parenting programs show substantial reductions in violence, community-based interventions yield varied results, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that consider local cultural and social dynamics
Arrival of the fittest: Asylum seekers from Ukraine transecting temporary accommodation in Norway
Full text linkThis policy brief examines the response in Norway to the mass displacement of Ukrainians following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Over 6.2 million Ukrainians have fled to Europe, prompting the EU to trigger the Temporary Protection Directive, which grants refugees access to services like healthcare, work, and education. By September 2024, Norway has received over 85,000 Ukrainian asylum seekers, with streamlined processes for registration and asylum in arrival and asylum reception centers, operated under contract by commercial hospitality providers (such as HERO and LINK).
The asylum procedures have been adapted to handle large numbers of refugees efficiently, likening it to a production chain and an example of a “logistification of arrival”. Despite efficiency improvements, the system is under strain, particularly on staff and asylum center capacities. Ukrainian refugees benefit from temporary collective protection, enabling them to bypass individual asylum procedures. However, as the war continues and costs rise, Norway has progressively reduced benefits to deter new arrivals, aligning policies with other Nordic countries.
The policy brief is based on interviews with asylum seekers, staff, and managers in three Norwegian arrival and asylum reception centers. It highlights the specific challenges faced by Ukrainians, their motivations for leaving, and the complexities of their asylum journeys. The long-term integration prospects, such as language skills and employment, are impacted by shorter asylum stays, reduced benefits, and Norway’s evolving asylum policies
Anti-corruption in peacebuilding practice
Full text linkDespite the vital role of anti-corruption in sustaining peace, the scope and success of integrating anti-corruption provisions in peace agreements has never been examined. Our study finds that, in the last 34 years, anti-corruption provisions appeared in 36% of peace processes. The terms are stronger in substantive peace agreements, and less robust in pre-negotiation, ceasefire, or renewal arrangements. Anti-corruption advocates will achieve the best results by targeting a range of negotiation channels
Refugees find employment in very different settlement contexts
Full text linkUkrainian refugees have settled in various locations across Estonia, driven by housing shortages and steep rents in the capital city. However, this spatial distribution does not adversely affect their job prospects, and employment levels are higher compared to Nordic countries. Furthermore, whether residing in the capital city, Tallinn, smaller urban areas, or non-metropolitan regions, refugees exhibit similar probabilities of finding employment within the first year of arrival. However, employment prospects are lower in traditional industrial regions but higher in second-tier cities. The presence of a higher proportion of Ukrainian co-ethnics in the neighborhood does not enhance refugees' entry into the labor market. Furthermore, there are no significant variations in getting a job based on the main population characteristics, except for the presence of children in the family. For men, having children increases the likelihood of employment, while for women, having children decreases the probability of securing employment. This underscores the importance of tailoring economic integration policies to address the specific needs of the largest refugee group from Ukraine, namely women with children.
This policy brief is produced as part of the INFLUX project. Read more: INFLUX project webpag
Promoting women's economic empowerment through business trainings
Full text linkThis evidence review explores the effectiveness of business training programs in promoting women's economic empowerment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By synthesizing various studies, the review assesses the impact of such programs on women's business skills, earnings, and entrepreneurial activities. Findings indicate that while business training generally enhances business practices, its effects on tangible business outcomes like sales, revenues, or profits are mixed, with notably lesser benefits for female entrepreneurs due to persistent gender-based barriers
How to make the UN Convention against Corruption’s Implementation Review Mechanism more effective
Full text linkUNCAC is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. Reforming its Implementation Review Mechanism would enable it to live up to its potential of effecting meaningful change