Finding reliable sources can be a challenge, especially when considering the many information outlets the digital age has provided. In conducting research for the forthcoming major research paper on the Syrian refugee crisis, the article “The pervertibility of refugee status” by Ana Paula Penchaszadeh has been identified as a credible reference source.
The article “The pervertibility of refugee status” discusses the difficulties of defining a refugee under current international law guided by the United Nations. The author, Dr. Ana Paula Penchaszadeh argues that while refugees may be protected under the law, coming to a consensus in all countries as to what defines a refugee and who determines whether an individual has been forced out of their homes or rather they have left voluntarily becomes much more difficult. One of the most compelling arguments made by Penchaszadeh for the manipulation of refugee law is the fact that “seekers of refugee status must be able to prove truthfully, convincingly, and certifiably – and in the language of the host State – the fears behind their request on the grounds of race, nationality, social group or political opinion” (2010). The conclusion that the author comes to is that the decisions regarding refugee status can fall into perversion and may become political in nature. The author proposes as a solution that mass migrations should be considered status versus individual cases exclusively and should be considered a global challenge impacting an entire group of people rather than a few individuals.
Though brief, this article can be considered a credible academic source for many reasons. According to the Purdue Owl, one of the most important ways to determine the credibility of a published work is to evaluate the author of the work (Driscoll & Brizee 2013). For this reason, I looked further into the author of the article, Dr. Ana Paula Penchaszadeh and found that she is lecturer and a researcher at the University of Buenos Aires. She also has her contact information listed with the paper for any questions. Based on her transparency and position at a respected university, it can be assumed that she is a credible source. Additionally, the article includes a number of references which link back to credible and related information. Further, the author makes a clear argument and supports her stance with policies and definitions from known organizations, such as the United Nations.
Overall, this paper appears to be a credible source with some good information that could support my final research paper. Based on the facts provided and supported by research and international organizations as well as the credibility of the author, this source has the potential to greatly aid my final paper.
- Lynn Driscoll, D. and Brizee, A. (2013, February 13). Evaluation During Reading. Retrieved from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/553/03/
- Paula Penchaszadeh, A. (2010, November). The pervertibility of refugee status. Forced Migration Review, 36, 64-65. Retrieved from http://www.fmreview.org/DRCongo/penchaszadeh.htm
