Protecting vulnerable refugees through complementary pathways
Channel: UNU MERIT
Date: 2023-02-16

Emanuel Garavello , Independent Migration Specialist

Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions exacerbated an existing gap between the ambitious goal of resettling refugees, and the actual number of safe transfers to third countries. Far before the pandemic forced the world into lockdown, only 4.5 percent of the 1.4 million estimated eligible refugees were resettled for protection in safe countries. In search for innovative tools to scale up third-country solutions for refugees, complementary pathways have gained much prominence in recent policy discussions. Various reports and academic work argue that they might represent a supportive instrument to resettlement, having the potential to provide refugees with protection and durable solutions and to promote international solidarity and responsibility-sharing among states. 

Drawing from years of fieldwork experience in the implementation of complementary pathways-related projects in both departure and destination countries, Emanuel Garavello explores the potential role of complementary pathways in providing protection to the most vulnerable refugees. He will bring insights from the fieldwork in Italy and Lebanon while implementing the Humanitarian Corridor project, discussing challenges, opportunities and future developments.

About the speaker:
Emanuel Garavello is an independent consultant and migration specialist with a history in operational and coordination roles with NGOs and UN agencies across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  He currently provides consultancy services to Governments and International Organizations on migration management, refugee protection, labour migration, and counter-human trafficking.