ISF International Security Forum

Monday, 30 May 2011, 16:30 - 18:00

Hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) 

Migration and security intersect in at least three ways. First, in certain circumstances migration can pose a threat to national security, for example when irregular migration challenges the exercise of state sovereignty. Second, the experience of migration can also undermine the human security of those involved, both during their journeys (if they move with smugglers or traffickers), and after arrival when some migrants may face abuse and exploitation. Third, the growing “securitization” of global movement itself, for example through stricter border controls and enforcement, can impact, those seeking asylum. This panel considers these intersections between migration and security from a variety of standpoints. It will make particular reference to the security implications of recent movements within and from the Middle East and North Africa.

Listen to Migration and Security (Audio)

Chair

Fred Tanner
Ambassador and Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), Switzerland

Speakers

Markus Leitner
Deputy Head, Political Division IV – Human Security, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Bern

Erika Feller
Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, UNHCR, Geneva, Switzerland

Khalid Koser
Academic Dean and Head of the New Issues in Security Programme, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), Switzerland

Walter Feichtinger
Brigadier General; Director, Institute for Peace Support and Conflict Management, Austrian National Defence Academy, Vienna
Visiting Fellow, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), Switzerland

More on Discussion Topic

Migration, Security 

Location

Green Room