ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the key concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book emphasizes governance and authority in refugee camps must be understood holistically, as an inter-related normative universe rather than the result of individual forces or policies. It explains that Karen territories of Southeast Burma were never fully rationalized within a state structure. Though always maintaining relationships with outside authorities' governance was essentially conducted at village level. The book discusses the different governing interests and orientations of the two sets of actors whereby, very broadly, the Royal Thai Government sees refugees as a threat to be contained while international agencies see refugees as victims to be protected. The book examines the normative consequences of the clash of justice ideals by tracing local reception of international human rights standards, particularly women's rights and children's rights. The experience of Karen refugees in Thailand shows that camps can be functional societies even after decades of encampment.
