Geneva Roundtable Champions Migrant Rights: A Global Dialogue for Change

The recent roundtable discussion titled “The Rights of International Migrants and War Refugees and the Responsibilities of Governments and Other Actors Toward Them Worldwide” highlighted critical issues regarding the treatment of migrants and refugees. Held on March 13, 2025, at the Global Migration Policy Associates (GMPA) headquarters in Geneva, this event brought together a diverse group of experts and activists dedicated to addressing the rights of international migrants.

This specialized roundtable was organized by the Institute for Protection of Women’s Rights in collaboration with GMPA. It featured a range of prominent speakers, including:

• Dr. Moghaddami: Representative of the Institute for Protection of Women’s Rights
• Dr. Karimi: International Association of Justice Watch
• Dr. Rahmani: International Farda Development Activists Association
• Mostafa Betari: Palestinian-Dutch NGO, Spotlight Team International Art
• Dr. Patrick Taran: CEO of GMPA
• Dr. Olga Kadysheva: Researcher from UNESCO
• Dr. Jane Aeberhard-Hodges: Expert in migration law
• Dr. Emel Zerrouk: Faculty member at the University of Geneva
• Ms. Siddeeqa Iram: GMPA representative

The discussions centered on the numerous legal and humanitarian challenges that migrants and war-affected refugees encounter. Notably, the conversation addressed the essential role of governments in supporting these vulnerable groups and the responsibilities that other international actors hold in tackling these pressing issues.

Dr. Patrick Taran opened the meeting by extending a warm welcome to all attendees, particularly the representatives from Iranian NGOs and academic experts. With over 50 years of specialized experience in migrant rights through the International Labour Organization (ILO), Dr. Taran provided a comprehensive overview of global migration trends. He emphasized the key challenges and issues that governments face when addressing migration.

Following Dr. Taran’s remarks, Dr. Jane Aeberhard-Hodges delivered an insightful speech focusing on gender, migration, and refugees. She presented a critical review of the associated issues and highlighted the responsibilities of both the government and civil society in addressing these challenges.

Next, Mostafa Betaree, representing a Palestinian NGO based in the Netherlands, took the floor to discuss the various obstacles that migrants face. He addressed issues related to integration, discrimination, and legal barriers, offering a critical perspective on the challenges posed by what he termed the “dictatorship of capitalism.”

Dr. Niloufar Moghaddami Khomami, also representing the Institute for Protection of Women’s Rights, spoke on the critical subject of refugees’ right to family reunification in both theory and practice. She illustrated Iran’s significant achievements and approaches in providing services to refugees, while also acknowledging the national challenges related to securing migrant rights.

Another significant contribution came from Dr. Emel Zerrouk, who discussed essential public health issues. In her presentation, she emphasized the critical need for water, sanitation, and hygiene as they relate to migrant and refugee populations. Dr. Zerrouk highlighted the significant challenges these groups face in accessing healthcare and sanitation services.

Dr. Rahmani from the International Farda Development Activists Association addressed the adverse impacts of international sanctions on the lives of migrants and refugees in Iran. Her analysis underscored how these sanctions have affected the daily lives and overall well-being of refugees and migrants within the country.

In a compelling presentation, Dr. Olga Kadysheva shared findings from her research project for UNESCO, published in 2016 under the title “Cities Welcoming Refugees and Migrants: Enhancing Effective Urban Governance in an Age of Migration.” Her insights contributed to the broader discussion on how urban governance can adapt to the challenges of migration.

Following her, Dr. Karimi from the International Association of Justice Watch, who is also a faculty member at the University of Tehran, discussed the growing concerns around Islamophobia in Europe and the United States. He highlighted the discrimination faced by Muslim migrants and the urgent need for advocacy and reform.

In closing, Dr. Patrick Taran expressed gratitude for the impactful presentations made by the Iranian representatives. He noted that, despite the myriad challenges faced globally, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made significant strides in providing services to migrant and refugee populations. However, he pointed out that these achievements should not overshadow the existing difficulties, particularly those stemming from unilateral sanctions.

Dr. Taran concluded by emphasizing that addressing migrant and refugee issues requires more than governmental action; it necessitates investment in the capabilities of NGOs. These organizations play a crucial role in bridging the gap between governments and migrant populations while defending their human rights on international platforms.