Promoting Protection: Multilateral Efforts to Enhance Refugee Protection and the Search for Durable Solutions

Abstract

Many commentators have expressed concern about the state of the international refugee regime, including perceived deficiencies in how States have addressed issues related to access to asylum and the differentiated quality of protection offered among countries. Importantly, however, the last three years have seen a concerted effort by the international community to reinvigorate debate over practical approaches to refugee protection and the need to identify solutions for refugees in protracted refugee situations. This process has resulted in a frank exchange of views among a broad range of States, NGOs, and academics about the challenges and opportunities presented by refugee and other population flows. It has led to a reaffirmation of the centrality of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, and a recognition that the development of new tools, strategies, and mechanisms is warranted if the international community is going to respond effectively to contemporary population movements. Canada has been at the forefront in these international discussions, promoting an agenda aimed at securing more holistic responses to refugee protection and using creative approaches to resolve outstanding refugee caseloads. A key challenge will be to sustain the momentum and focus on practical efforts geared towards securing the ultimate goal of refugee protection – finding durable solutions.