Migration The history of humankind is the history of migration. People have always migrated, sometimes by choice, sometimes not. Today many of the people on the move are refugees or internally displaced, dislocated by war, strife, and violence. Other migrants have been displaced by the collapse of local economies and forced to move to urban centres or across borders in search of livelihoods. Still others seek political and social freedoms. All are searching for a more promising future.
Increasingly, however, the movement of people is being restricted and criminalized. Migration controls are rationalized within a national-security paradigm. Certain communities are increasingly perceived as a source of risk, and are denied freedom of movement. Migrants entering Europe or North America without legal documents can face long periods of detention without legal and basic human rights protections, and treated criminally for administrative violations of immigration regulations.
The politics of movement and belonging implicate us all. There is an urgent need for peoples’ organizations to create social solidarity with migrants, and create a civic responsibility to promote their rights. Inter Pares is working with our counterparts to promote the human rights of refugees, internally displaced people, migrant workers, and cross-border migrants. We promote freedom of movement, the right to resist coercive relocation, and the right of people to return safely to their homes.
Inter Pares’ work includes support to organizations of refugees and the displaced to assist their own efforts to achieve some measure of autonomy and self-reliance. We are involved in the social and economic integration of refugees and the displaced in order to re-establish community and economic options. We are also engaged in research, education and advocacy activities, in Canada and internationally, related to the human rights of refugees and migrants.
Links to recent Inter Pares Bulletin articles related to this theme
Solidarity Is Our Security; Vol. 31, No. 3, September 2009
Bearing Witness: The Struggle for Democracy in Burma; Vol. 30, No. 3, September 2008
Entrusted with Stories: A Window on Colombia; Vol. 29, No. 1, February 2007
Health and Justice for All; Vol. 28, No. 4, November 2006
The Search to Belong; Vol. 28, No. 2, June 2006
Links to reports, articles and presentations related to this theme
| Reviewed November 26, 2009 |  |
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