Human Mobility & Autonomy of Migration
Exploring the multifaceted dimensions of human mobility, the research topic of "Human Mobility & Autonomy of Migration" encompasses diverse perspectives from the Global South on migration concepts, knowledge politics, migratory justice, assisted migration or human trafficking, and the challenges refugees face in accessing entitlements.
In the Global South, migration studies often focus narrowly on immigration experiences, particularly in Western Europe. However, adopting an integrated global perspective becomes imperative, acknowledging that emigration experiences are integral to a comprehensive understanding of migration. The meanings of key concepts such as cohesion, diversity, integration, and identity vary significantly in different regions, shaped by historical, demographic, and geographic factors.
Delving into the relationship between migration scholarship and politics, a critical examination on the conditions under which knowledge can resist the formulation and implementation of migration laws violating human rights principles is done and was presented to DiaMiGo by researchers such as Jill Alpes. Scholars grapple with the challenge of producing actionable knowledge that can lead to meaningful changes in the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants. The discussion explores the selective conversion of migration knowledge into actionable justice claims, emphasizing the need for strategic interdisciplinary thinking to resist unjust laws.
A case study from Eastern Sudan done by Abdallah Ounour shed light on the complexities surrounding assisted migration or human trafficking. Through ethnographic fieldwork, the investigation explores perceptions at various levels, revealing divergent narratives between state institutions, involved migrants, and those facilitating migration. The study challenges prevailing labels such as smuggling and trafficking, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances of migration phenomena in specific contexts.
Turning attention to Egypt, we were invited by Elena Habersky to take a look into the discussion that unfolds regarding the legal entitlements owed to refugees and asylum seekers according to international agreements. Despite Egypt being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, discrepancies between law and practice persist. Refugees often find themselves navigating a landscape where legal rights either do not exist in the national framework or are not effectively practiced. Consequently, communities establish their own support systems, such as community schools and refugee-led organizations, reshaping the urban spaces they occupy.
The research aims to contribute to a holistic understanding of human mobility, autonomy in migration, and the intricate interplay between policy, scholarship, and the lived experiences of migrants and refugees across diverse geographical contexts.
