Paper details
| Paper authors | Sanushka Mudaliar, Nicole Hoagland, Magdalena Arias Cubas |
| In panel on | Contemporary Humanitarian Deadlock: People on the Move |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting | In-Person & Online |
Abstract
The Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Global Migration Lab conducts research on topics of critical importance to the provision of humanitarian assistance and protection to migrants in vulnerable situations. In 2022, the Lab, in collaboration with 15 National Societies, completed a research project on migrants’ trust in humanitarian action exploring who migrants trust – and why – when seeking humanitarian protection and assistance during their journeys (report and briefing papers). In 2024, the Lab, in partnership with the ICRC Central Tracing Agency’s RCRC Missing Persons Centre and 17 National Societies, conducted research on why and how migrant women and children become separated, go missing or die during their journeys (reports forthcoming).
Drawing on findings from both projects, including hundreds of interviews and surveys with migrants across various routes, this presentation will explore insights, obstacles and lessons from the adoption of Route-Based Approaches by humanitarian actors. It will explore direct and indirect reasons why migrants may not seek or access assistance along routes – including a lack of trust in humanitarian actors, fear of authorities, inconsistent treatment and support and (perceived) lack of independence. It will also discuss the complexities of upholding humanitarian principles in the context of securitisation and externalisation of migration governance and consider steps humanitarian actors can take to maintain migrants’ trust and mitigate risks along journeys.
