Migration and Development: Perspectives from Governments of Countries of Origin and Migrant Associations
When: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Where: Liu Institute, Multipurpose Room, UBC (6476 NW Marine Dr.)
with Oliver Bakewell
Research Officer, International Migration Institute, University of Oxford
Oliver Bakewell has been working with refugees and migrants for over fifteen years as both a researcher and practitioner. His research interests include the changing patterns of migration within Africa; the relationship between migration and development; the interface between migration policy and migrants’ behaviour, in particular the attitudes towards and use of papers (passports, ID cards, visas etc.); forced migration, repatriation and humanitarian aid. Presently, he is working on the IMI’s African Migrations Programme and the African Perspectives on Human Mobility Programme Foundation and conducting research in collaboration with colleagues in Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana and DR Congo.
In this talk, Bakewell will contrast the changing perspectives of governments and migrant associations and their relationship. The former are increasing their engagement with migrants and encouraging their investment in the “homeland”. Migrants associations are lobbying for migrant’s rights in countries of settlement and origin and attempting to build up national and international networks that will strengthen their voice. He will look at some of the inherent tensions in the relationship between migrant associations and their states’ of origin, and at some areas for further debate, research and action.
This event is open to the public.
This event is co-hosted by Metropolis BC.