One week after the event, the Global Migration Centre is pleased to reflect on a rich and timely discussion held on 25 June 2026 at the Geneva Graduate Institute and online.
Co-organized by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants and the Global Migration Centre, the roundtable, entitled “Externalization of Migration Governance: Perspectives from Research, Practice and Lived Experience”, brought together experts from the United Nations, civil society, academia, journalism, and individuals with lived experience of migration.
The discussion centered on the 2026 report of Gehad Madi, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, which examines the increasing reliance on the externalization of migration governance. The report explores measures aimed at shifting responsibility for migration and asylum processes beyond the territory of States, including recent developments such as return hubs and the expanding use of the safe third country concept. It further highlights concerns regarding transparency, accountability, State responsibility, and access to remedies.
Following an opening presentation by Gehad Madi, panelists offered complementary perspectives from international organizations, human rights institutions, research, advocacy, and practice:
- Patrick Eba, Deputy Director, Division of International Protection and Solutions, Office of the UN
High Commissioner for Refugees - Linda Ravo, OHCHR EU Office
- Charles Heller, Co-founder & president of Border Forensics, Swiss National Science Foundation,
Professor at the Department of Social Anthropology, University of Bern - Maria Gavouneli, Professor, President of the Greek National Commission for Human Rights
- Eleanor Acer, Senior Director, Global Humanitarian Protection, Human Rights First
The discussion was expertly moderated by Professor Vincent Chetail, Director of the Global Migration Centre.
The roundtable explored how externalization measures are monitored, documented, challenged, and litigated in practice, while identifying pathways for strengthening transparency, accountability, and access to remedies for those affected.
The Global Migration Centre warmly thanks all speakers, participants, and partners for contributing to this important exchange. We are especially grateful to the United Nations and the Office of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants for their trust and collaboration.
Further resources
Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants: Externalization of Migration Governance: New Trends and Specific Human Rights Challenges (A/HRC/62/35)
Recommended readings
- Vincent Chetail: https://opiniojuris.org/2026/06/18/symposium-on-the-1951-refugee-convention-at-75-resilience-in-times-of-contestation-the-turbulent-destiny-of-the-refugee-convention
- Mustafa Alio: https://opiniojuris.org/2026/06/16/symposium-on-the-1951-refugee-convention-at-75-the-1951-convention-is-not-a-relic-it-is-a-warning/