Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
Seminar

Displaced: How International Law Can Protect Migrants, Refugees, and International Security

Open to the Public

How can international law better protect both international security and the human rights of people fleeing violence? This presentation will argue that the refugee and migration crisis has resulted not only from intractable violence, but from the world's failure to manage it. It will then propose and sketch new international law to address this crucial human rights problem.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.

Date: Time: - Location: Littauer Building - Belfer Center Library, Room 369
Refugees on a boat crossing the Mediterranean sea, heading from Turkish coast to the northeastern Greek island of Lesbos, 29 January 2016.

About

How can international law better protect both international security and the human rights of people fleeing violence? International refugee law protects only the refugees: those fleeing across borders due to a well-founded persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The world's other 42.3 million people displaced by violence have few protections under international law.

This presentation will argue that the refugee and migration crisis has resulted not only from intractable violence, but from the world's failure to manage it. It will then propose and sketch new international law to address this crucial human rights problem. A new Displaced Persons Convention would better protect the human rights of individuals fleeing violent conflict and state failure, further state interests, and improve international security.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.