Non-State Actors

International refugee law is predominantly made by states, and implemented in and by states. The project seeks to better understand the role of non-state actors, in particular, international organisations, in the refugee regime, including their role in norm setting and implementation.

For example, the significant role of UNHCR in recognising refugees is examined in the Recognising Refugees strand. Understanding the expanding role of IOM in dealing with refugees and other displaced persons is central to the Organisations of Protection strand. The project also takes a broad notion of ‘intermediary’ to examine the regulation of the various actors, including non-governmental organizations, who facilitate and thwart refugee mobility, protection and solutions.

The legal regime governing mobility and migration is complex. Discrete elements thereof have been identified as barriers to protection, but their workings are under-investigated.