Background

Results from studies conducted by the Migration for Development and Equality Hub (MIDEQ) in six migration “corridors” that link migrating populations’ countries of origin and destination: Burkina Faso – Côte d’Ivoire; China – Ghana; Egypt – Jordan; Ethiopia – South Africa; Haiti – Brazil; and Nepal – Malaysia, will focus on the problematic of transit migration as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a comprehensive approach, involving humanitarian assistance, legal frameworks, and collaboration among nations, that are necessary to address the challenges posed by transit migration, particularly in the Latin American region where countries face a new reality of intense migrant circulation and population movement. 

The conference will challenge conceptualizations of transit migration which presupposes that people on the migration trails simply are ‘passing through’ and not deserving or entitled to rights, justice and integration. Failure to understand, or even ask questions about, the multiple meanings which places have for people at different points in both their physical and metaphorical (life) journeys, undermines conceptual and empirical analysis of their journeys and plays into anti-immigrant discourses prevalent across much of the Global North. 

Drawing from this conceptual premise, contributions from the keynote speaker and panelists will highlight the relevance of integrating in national policies approaches to transitional migration in a way that conventions and legal protections can be applied. They will showcase regional case studies from South and Central America benefiting from a comparative perspective with contexts studied by the MIDEQ Hub in other migration corridors. Attention will be given to transit processes in countries such as Colombia, Panama and other central American countries. Conference delegates will come from different sectors, including academic researchers and students, local and regional civil society organizations, international organizations, and government officials.

This two-day conference will focus on the problematic of transit migration as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a comprehensive approach, involving humanitarian assistance, legal frameworks, and collaboration among nations, that are necessary to address the challenges posed by this regional phenomenon. Invited guests will discuss regional case studies from South and Central America and benefit from a comparative perspective with other contexts studied by MIDEQ Hub members in other migration corridors and contexts. Attention will be given to transit processes in countries such as Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica and other central American countries, with particular focus on the following topics:

•  The impact of transit migration on local communities;

• Vulnerabilities, access to services, and support systems available to people on the move in these communities;

• Responses from governments and international organizations at local, national and regional levels;

• Potentials and pathways for integrated policy protection-centered frameworks and partnerships with civil society and international organizations.