Conclusions

The unprecedented pace of recent change in geopolitical, environmental and technological spheres has led some analysts and commentators to coin or use phrases such as the “age of accelerations”, the “fourth industrial revolution”, and the “age of change”.⁸² COVID-19 has further amplified the sense of uncertainty brought about during momentous change, that has been further underscored by “unthinkable” events actually occurring before our eyes, such as war and mass displacement in Europe. The looming spectre of devastating climate change impacts around the world is also adding to the profound sense of insecurity being felt by people all around the world.⁸³

Against this challenging backdrop, this chapter has examined migration and human security in contemporary settings, drawing upon conceptualizations of the topic that have evolved over recent decades. Rooted in human rights and protection, the human security of migrants (including those who have been displaced) is a fundamental aspect of migration and mobility: for many people working in migration policy, research and practice, it is considered the fundamental aspect. Part of the reason for this extends beyond the normative framework, and into the practical realms of peace and security (and lack thereof) as well as uneven human development resulting in systemic global inequality.

The topic of human security is important because, as highlighted in this analysis, we continue to witness the linking of migration and security through misinformed “threat” narratives that seek to paint international migrants as endangering countries and communities. The rhetoric framing migration in national or State security terms emerged decades ago as part of discursive rationales for extreme (at times militarized) responses to migration. More recently, a related line of this disinformation narrative has been amplified through tech platforms, often fuelled by alt-right groups operating transnationally (see text box above). The key and growing reality is, however, that the most significant link between migration and security relates to the human security of migrants themselves. The vulnerability of migrants throughout the migration cycle is evident at all stages and in a wide variety of manifestations during pre-departure, transit, entry, stay and return.

That is not to say that all migration negatively impacts human security; far from it. As outlined in this chapter, migration and mobility can positively enhance people’s lives, and can save lives in the direst of situations. However, there do remain many situations in which migrants can be extremely vulnerable and have their security diminished or degraded during migration. In these circumstances, authorities at multiple levels (international, regional, national, local) need to actively develop, implement and measure policies that facilitate a human security approach to migration and mobility.

The issue of human security is at the core of global frameworks such as the SDGs and the Global Compact for Migration. However, it is clear that while regulatory and policy actors are central and critical to facilitating human security, they also need the support, partnership and focus of non-State actors, including civil society, private sector, non-governmental organizations and researchers in realizing positive action to improve the human security of migrants and communities around the world. Working together across sectors affords the greatest possibility of responding to human insecurity needs that extend beyond humanitarian settings.