Professor Delphine Nakache has been awarded the University Research Chair (URC) in in Migrant Protection and International Law, which she will use to study the relationship between Canada’s actions domestically and internationally regarding temporary migrants and asylum seekers. To date, there has been very little critical assessment of how Canada’s numerous commitments regarding migrant protection on the international scene translate into concrete action. Professor Nakache aims to compare the legal situation of temporary migrants and asylum seekers in Canada with that of other countries with similar policies and approaches. The Chair’s activities will be undertaken in a variety of ways, including by involving a high number of Francophone researchers to ensure constant interaction between the English and French bodies of literature. Ultimately, Professor Nakache will aim to develop policy frameworks and recommendations aimed at enhancing migrant protection and integration, both in Canada and abroad.
As one of the world’s leading scholars on issues of refugee and migration policy and practice, Professor Nakache has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of vulnerable populations caught in the large legal framework of statutes, regulations, policies and other legal instruments that crowd international migration systems. By bringing migrants’ life experiences – in their own words – to public policy and practice debates, her research has made a substantial impact on the protection of their fundamental rights. The vast and varied perspectives that make up her expansive research network are crucial to Professor Nakache’s goal of moving beyond traditional assumptions about Canada’s migration and refugee system. Her experience to date suggests that this proposed URC is poised to make a substantial contribution to the field.
University Research Chairs are given to the University of Ottawa’s top researchers in recognition of their outstanding and continuous accomplishments in research as well as the training of students.
Congratulations to Professor Nakache on this well-deserved achievement!
Unpacking Canada’s immigration reputation: Professor Delphine Nakache awarded University Research Chair
Over the past two decades, Canada’s immigration and refugee system has grown more complex, unpredictable, and restrictive. Yet, the country’s glowing global reputation as a gold standard for immigration remains unshaken. But how well do Canada’s current practices truly measure up to its international commitments?