The study of the causes and consequences of migration and refugee movements, including the political and social factors that impact migration policies and practices.
Definitions and concepts: Introduces the meanings of terms such as immigration, emigration, asylum seekers, refugees, and forced displacement.
Causes of migration: Examines factors that push individuals and groups to move from one place to another, such as political instability, conflict, economic constraints, and climate change.
The Global Compact for Migration: Analyzes the United Nations' initiative to create a common framework for international migration, focusing on the principles, objectives, and implementation of the Compact.
Refugee law and protection: Studies the legal frameworks that protect refugees at the national and international levels, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol, and regional instruments, as well as the challenges and limitations of these frameworks.
Migration policies and governance: Evaluates the policy approaches of states towards migration, including border control, visas, asylum procedures, integration programs, and labor migration regimes, as well as the role of international organizations and civil society in shaping migration governance.
Migrant and refugee rights: Explores the human rights dimensions of migration and displacement, such as the right to life, freedom of movement, non-discrimination, access to healthcare, education, and lawful employment, and the obstacles to their realization.
Gender and migration: Examines the gender-specific reasons for migration, the challenges and opportunities that women and men encounter during migration processes, and the impact of migration policies on gender equality and human development.
Health and migration: Analyses the health issues that affect migrants, such as infectious diseases, mental health, access to healthcare, and the health risks associated with irregular migration and forced displacement.
Migration and development: Studies the economic, social, and cultural impacts of migration on countries of origin, countries of destination, and migrants themselves, and the policies and strategies that aim to maximize the benefits of migration for development.
Understanding forced displacement: Explores the root causes and consequences of forced displacement, including violence, persecution, and human rights violations, and the legal and policy frameworks that protect the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons.