This call for papers relates specifically to a series of 4 working panels which be held during the conference on "The Concept of Mixed Migration: Reflecting on Today’s Migratory Policies, Movements and Paradigms Shifts", Geneva, 8-9 April 2010.

These working panels will aim to examine selected case studies linked to ‘The Phenomenon of Mixed Migration’ (sessions 2 and 3 of the provisional agenda). These case studies shall relate to one of the following four regions of the world: West and North Africa; the horn of Africa & Middle-East; Central America; South-East Asia.

The submissions are expected to highlight the different issues raised by mixed flows of migrants in a given region. Contributors will explore the complexification of migration dynamics and look at the consequences of recent migration and asylum policies on conditions of movements, and highlight both the constraints and coping strategies they entail. When feasible, the panels will also discuss past experiences and historical responses to ‘mixed migration movements’ and compare them with present situations. Reflections on recent initiatives related to this phenomenon and on local understandings of the concept as well as on the challenges ahead are welcomed.

The conference organizers particularly welcome contributions from junior researchers (doctoral and post-doctoral students). The presentations at the conference can follow any of these formats: 1) individual paper presentations of applied research or documented experiences; 2) presentations on research findings or successful experiences and 3) post-graduate feedback sessions on ongoing research projects.

The conference is based on a multidisciplinary approach, involving historical, anthropological, and legal researchers and experts, as well as stakeholders from relevant international institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Papers submitted should

1. have a solid methodological approach,
2. have a strong evidence basis and
3. discuss implications for inclusive public policies that advance migrants’ rights and reduce their vulnerability to the multidimensional challenges of mixed migration.

Deadline for Applications:

Please, send an email indicating your willingness to participate in the conference to jerome.elie@graduateinstitute.ch

no later than January 14, 2010

together with an abstract of approximately 500 words in PDF format and a short CV.

Financial Assistance:

There is no conference registration fee. Grants covering transportation costs may be provided to researchers who have been selected to present their papers/projects.

Conference Conveners:

This conference is jointly organized by the Programme for the Study of Global Migration (Graduate Institute, Geneva) and the Institut d'Ethnologie (Université de Neuchâtel), with the support of the Division for International Protection Services of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

For more information on the Conference Concept and Provisional Agenda see:
http://graduateinstitute.ch/globalmigration/NewsEvents/MixedMigration.html

Contact Information:

Dr. Jérôme Elie, Coordinator of Activities
Programme for the Study of Global Migration
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva
Email: jerome.elie@graduateinstitute.ch

Programme for the Study of Global Migration:
http://graduateinstitute.ch/globalmigration

Provisional Agenda:

DAY 1:

Session 1: 09.00-12.00: The Notion of Mixed Migration

This session will explore the historical and institutional context in which the notion of ‘mixed migration’ has recently emerged, its various definitions and the global and local interpretations it encompasses. It will look at the conflicting meanings of this notion, and explore their reasons.

Session 2: 13.30-15.30: The Phenomenon of Mixed Migration: Case Studies (working panels)

Four panels will examine selected case studies from different regions. Junior researchers (doctoral and post-doctoral students), specializing in the relevant regions and who have
been selected through the call for contributions will explore the complexification of migration dynamics which are increasingly diversified, circular, volatile and involve a wide variety of interrelated factors (social, economical, political, institutional). Researchers will also look at the consequences of recent migration and asylum policies on conditions of movements, and highlight both the constraints (in terms of protection and human rights challenges) and coping strategies (in terms of mobilization of various legal categories for instance) they entail. When feasible, the panels will also discuss past experiences and historical responses to ‘mixed migration movements’ (e.g. the boat people phenomenon) and compare them with present situations. Four regions of the world will be discussed, two in parallel: West and North Africa; the horn of Africa & Middle-East (first session); Central America; South-East Asia (second session). Each session will be introduced by a key-speaker who will also chair the
panel:

• West and North Africa
• Horn of Africa and Middle East

Session 3:16.00-18.00: The Phenomenon of Mixed Migration: Case Studies Continued

• South-East Asia
• Latin and Central America

DAY 2:

Session 4: 09.00-12.00: Impact of Migration Policies

The past decade has witnessed a sharp increase of policies developed to address the specific challenges raised by mixed migration and new migration patterns. This session will reflect on these initiatives, explore their relevance as well as their concrete results and impact on migration dynamics and on human rights and refugee protection.

Session 5: 13.30-18.00: Concluding Remarks and Recommendations

During this last session, the rapporteurs of each panel will provide a summary of the discussions in their panel and highlight the major protection and policy challenges identified by participants. A keynote speaker will then propose a synthesis of the main scientific and policy issues identified during the conference. The conference organizers will each comment from their perspective on these recommendations.