United Kingdom - IOM Director General William Lacy Swing will speak on the migration consequences of complex crises at St. Anne’s College, Oxford, UK at 5.00 pm on Monday, October 15th, 2012.

Recent humanitarian crises, whether set off by a political conflict (Libya), an earthquake (Haiti) or extensive flooding (Pakistan) have generated large and complex population flows whether internal or across borders  before, during and after the events triggering the emergency. But the migration dimensions of such crises have been insufficiently addressed, both in theory and in practice.

While the drivers of crisis-related migratory movements vary, the challenges are particularly acute where poverty, political instability, weak governance, environmental degradation and natural disasters combine. Migration in response to an extreme crisis situation is common, yet the patterns of movement are far from straightforward.

As evidenced by previous crises, initially temporary displacement may become protracted; internal movements can spill across borders; and crises and displacement situations can give rise to other forms of migration such as search for work, migration to cities, irregular and mixed movements, trafficking and smuggling.

Modern-day crisis situations clearly demonstrate that whether the movements of people are gradual or spontaneous, small or large-scale, they are increasingly likely to affect individuals and groups with different levels of vulnerability and different types of needs.
 
In light of these present-day realities, the IOM has sought to develop linkages between humanitarian and migration perspectives and improve its own responses to the migration consequences of complex crises. Instead of ad hoc reactions, the agency is advocating for more systematic approaches on the part of national institutions and the international community to better manage the human mobility aspects of crisis situations.

During his visit to the University of Oxford, Ambassador Swing will reflect upon the nuanced and complex relationship between crises and mobility, as well as the institutional set-ups and cooperation mechanisms that can complement and strengthen existing systems aimed at providing assistance and protection to crisis-affected populations.

The discussion will shed light on the types of migratory patterns that can result from complex crises; the effectiveness of migration policy tools in addressing certain aspects of crisis situations; and the ways in which mobility can be used as a positive strategy toward long-term recovery of crisis affected areas.

To register to attend the lecture, which will be followed by a drinks reception, please go to http://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk/special-lecture-registration

For more information please contact
 
Heidi El-Megrisi
Email: rsc-outreach@qeh.ox.ac.uk