Ethical Challenges in Refugee Research: Troublesome Questions, Difficult Answers

Abstract

This paper articulates some of the more troublesome questions and ethical challenges that researchers conducting interviews with refugees and refugee service-providers face. The author suggests three ethical principles that must be considered when doing qualitative research: a) trust, confidentiality, honesty, responsibility, b) an active and positive approach to cultural differences, including gender issues, and c) respect for the emotional experiences of victims. By grounding the research process within this ethical practice a delicate balance between the goals of research and the interests of the respondent can be maintained.