(The event report was originally published in December 2024)

On December 11, 2024, a panel discussion titled “Global South Reflections on a Routes-Based Approach to Migration” took place online. The event, hosted by the IDRC Research Chairs Network on Forced Migration and supported by LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network, featured Madeline Garlick from UNHCR and two IDRC Research Chairs, Matthew Bird (Peru) and Myriam Cherti (Morocco). The discussion delved into the 2024 UNHCR proposed “routes-based approach” to advancing protection and solutions.   

Madeline Garlick, as Chief of the Protection Policy and Legal Advice Section in the Division of International Protection at UNHCR in Geneva, provided a detailed outline on UNHCR’s perspective on the . This new approach is potentially a paradigm shift in humanitarian responses to migration because of how it restructures protection support from a siloed country-based to integrated routes-based programming. This shift reflects the increased mixed-movements worldwide and the vast suffering among these mixed-movement routes. This approach does not aim to facilitate onward movement of refugees and migrants in an irregular manner, but rather seeks to find lawful ways to reconcile the sovereignty and legitimate interests of states in managing their borders with the rights of refugees and migrants under international and other relevant branches of law. 

Dr. Matthew Bird, as the IDRC Research Chair for Peru, and Dr. Myriam Cherti, as the IDRC Research Chair for Morocco, reflected on the proposed approach and contextualized it within the Americas and North African region, respectively. While a whole-of-route approach is a step forward in the coordination of multilateral and multistakeholder responses to increased mixed flows towards the Global North, it also raises important questions from a Global South perspective. Difficulties in making distinctions between refugees and migrants are complicated further as they journey through migration routes, passing various states which categorize them differently – constantly changing their eligibility for protection. This highlights the continuing need to understand the root causes of migration and displacement. Further, in framing the routes-based approach, it is important to bridge the humanitarian perspective to the developmental perspective. Localized evidence needs to demonstrate the potential benefits of taking a more comprehensive approach and the capacity for absorption to a national development agenda – especially in middle income countries where there is a capacity for socioeconomic integration and responsible sharing.   

While the routes-based approach is a step forward in ensuring international protection and respect of human rights, the frame of reference must include a context specific way of thinking in its implementation. By engaging context-specific and localized knowledge production, states along migration routes can develop more comprehensive support for refugees and migrants. Researchers hold a critical role in partnership with UNHCR and other policy makers for generating data to guide decisions.  

Watch the full video:

The post Event Report – Global South Reflections on a Routes-Based Approach to Protection appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

On May 20, 2026, the Local Engagement Refugee Research Network (LERRN) hosted a virtual launch of the edited volume , which explores Canada’s role in responding to global displacement and advancing collective action for refugee protection. The book was published by McGill–Queen’s University Press as part of . 

Gathering prominent voices in the field, the volume explores Canada’s engagement across regional and global contexts and its involvement with international responses to displacement. Through insights on diplomacy, regional engagement, and resettlement initiatives, it reflects on the relationship between Canada’s international leadership and its domestic practices, offering a nuanced account that moves beyond simplistic narratives of benevolence. 

The webinar brought together over 80 participants globally, who were joined by the book’s three co-editors and seven of its 23 contributors: Delphine Nakache, James Milner, Nathan Benson, Adele Garnier, Alice Nah, Ania Kwadrans, Andrew Thompson, Dominique Marshall, Jennifer M. Hyndman, and Johanna Reynolds. The panel was also joined by the Honourable Bob Rae, Canada’s Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2020-2025).   

Across the 90-minute discussion, the authors highlighted key findings and arguments of their respective chapters, and also reflected on their hopes for the impact of this publication in policy spheres, educational spaces, and advocacy initiatives. The speakers explored topics such as Canada’s historical engagement with refugee protection, the gap between the country’s international reputation and its domestic practices, and concrete actions that Canada can take to redefine leadership globally. In bringing attention to areas in which Canada can strengthen its role in the regime, the authors emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships, meaningful participation, and sustained engagement in today’s world. 

As the international community celebrates the 75^th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, this book arrives at a pivotal moment in history amid mounting global challenges including record displacement, collapsing funding for UN agencies and programs, and a growing trend of states retreating from international refugee commitments. While Canada continues to be a leader in the regime throughout these shifting priorities, international solidarity is a necessity. This publication reminds audiences that positive change is a product of collective action and calls on other states to lead in a manner that fosters local accountability, uplifts civil society, and brings all stakeholders to the forefront of global collaboration. 

To reserve your copy of Canada in the Global Refugee Regime, visit .

Related blog post here:

Watch the full video recording of the webinar here:

This report was prepared by Lilly Neang, LERRN Knowledge Mobilization Officer and Project Editor-in-Chief (EiC).

The post Book Launch: Canada in the Global Refugee Regime – Webinar Event Report appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

A new episode 4.16 of Battle Rhythm is now available. The podcast explores the role of academic voices in public information spaces and the ways scholars can contribute to public debate and policy discussions.

In this episode, co-host Steve Saideman speaks with James Milner, Director of the Local Engagement Refugee Research Network (LERRN). Their conversation examines the current state of the global refugee regime and discusses how LERRN and its partners are working to support the development of more effective, evidence-based solutions for and with refugees.

Listen to the full episode here:

The post New Battle Rhythm podcast episode featuring LERRN appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

We are thrilled to share a new blog post titled from McGill-Queen’s University Press. The blog post highlights the release of , an edited collection that brings together 23 scholars to examine Canada’s role in shaping global refugee protection. The editors of Canada in the Global Refugee Regime give an introduction to the book and highlight Canada’s role and impact on global refugee protection ahead of the upcoming virtual book launch on 20 May 2026.

The post Canada’s Role in Global Refugee Responses – New Blog Post appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below.

Password:

The post Protected: Language Translation appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below.

Password:

The post Protected: Policy Dialogues appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below.

Password:

The post Protected: Social Media appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below.

Password:

The post Protected: Open Access Publications appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below.

Password:

The post Protected: Knowledge Translation appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.

From 11 to 12 September 2025, the Local Engagement Refugee Research Network (LERRN) hosted a multi-day event marking the official launch of its new SSHRC Partnership Grant, Reimagining Responses to Forced Migration. The $2.5-million award—supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) alongside matching contributions from partner organizations—ushers in a new phase of collaborative, community-driven research on forced displacement.

ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University President and Vice-Chancellor Wisdom Tettey opened the event by underscoring the transformative power of inclusive research partnerships between academia and communities. He highlighted the vital role of collaborative approaches in advancing epistemic justice—reimagining spaces, structures, and processes by placing community expertise at the center of knowledge creation. President Tettey also recognized the past accomplishments of the LERRN partnership since 2018, including James Milner’s selection as a finalist for the 2025 SSHRC Impact Partnership Award, one of Canada’s highest distinctions in the social sciences and humanities.

LERRN Project Director James Milner emphasized that the partnership’s launch comes at a pivotal moment in history. With global displacement at record levels and access to protection and durable solutions becoming increasingly uncertain, the international refugee regime faces urgent and complex challenges. Co-Director Rez Gardi highlighted the need for bold thinking and innovative forms of collaboration, stressing that amid mounting threats to asylum, international cooperation, and multilateralism, it is more important than ever to unite and center the knowledge, agency, and expertise of displaced people.

The two-day program focused on four core objectives: affirming the shared goals and vision of the partnership; refining working group plans and identifying points of collaboration; articulating foundational principles; and establishing strategic priorities for the next six years ahead.

Across these discussions, participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to reshaping forced migration research, policy, and practice through inclusive, interdisciplinary, and localized approaches. The dialogue emphasized co-production of knowledge, meaningful capacity sharing, and advocacy that amplifies the voices and expertise of those most affected by displacement. The launch marks a significant step forward in building a more equitable, community-centered, and solutions-focused approach to understanding and responding to forced migration worldwide.

Related Post

The post LERRN Launches Landmark Partnership to Reimagine Global Responses to Forced Migration appeared first on LERRN: The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network.