Migration Policy Practice (Volume XIV, Number 1) - Summit of the Future Special Issue (2025)-HC=1.pdf

CONTENTS Short articles to better connect migration research, policy and practice worldwide

ISSN 2223‑5248

MIGRATION

POLICY PRACTICE 2 Introduction: International migration as part of a reinvigorated multilateral system Thea de Gruchy 4 Connecting the Pact for the Future with the experiences of migrant women: Implications for more inclusive migration policies in Portugal Patricia Silva and Henrique Pereira 11 T echnology‑facilitated gender‑based violence among migrant and refugee women: Implications for policy and practice Ronald Musizvingoza 20 Digital humanitarianism in focus: How the Summit of the Future can strengthen platforms like Martynka Marika Jeziorek 26 Of minority participation and policymaking: Engaging Afro‑Greek immigrant youth on racist (cyber)bullying experiences Kainaat Maqbool 33 T owards ethical artificial intelligence in migration management: Insights from the Global Digital Compact Marie Triboulet Summit of the Future Special IssueSummit of the Future Special Issue

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2 Held1in September 2024, the United Nations Secretary‑General’s Summit of the Future has been described as a once ‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for the global community to come together and agree on how to adapt multilateralism for the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow.2 The Summit was called for in the United Nations Secretary‑General’s 2021 Our Common Agenda,3 which emphasized the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism in the twenty‑first century. This included not only renewing existing commitments around – for example, gender and climate change in the form of a Pact for the Future – but also called for the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation (the Global Digital Compact) and the first Declaration on Future Generations.4 Collectively called the Summit of the Future Outcome Documents, the Pact, Compact and Declaration focused on persistent global challenges and the need to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation, including on migration.

digital cooperation (the Global Digital Compact) and the first Declaration on Future Generations.4 Collectively called the Summit of the Future Outcome Documents, the Pact, Compact and Declaration focused on persistent global challenges and the need to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation, including on migration. Throughout all three documents, the importance of migration and mobile populations is clear. Reiterating commitments made as part of Agenda 2030, both the Pact and the Declaration call for maximizing the positive contributions of migrants and promoting regular pathways while 1 Thea de Gruchy is a Research Affiliate for the Refugee Law Initiative. 2 United Nations, Summit of the Future 2024. 3 United Nations, Our Common Agenda – Report of the Secretary‑General (New York, United Nations, 2021). 4 United Nations, Summit of the Future Outcome Documents: Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations (2024).

Introduction: International migration as part of a reinvigorated multilateral system Thea de Gruchy1 addressing the drivers of irregular migration, while the Global Digital Compact calls for the collection of data that can be disaggregated by migration status. In addition, the Pact is clear about the need to address gender‑related risks and violence, including trafficking in persons and abuse experienced by women migrant workers through technology (a topic explored by Musizvingoza in this issue), and the Compact calls for capacity‑building of digital skills for migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, among other groups.

In addition to these explicit commitments around migration, however, many of the actions outlined and commitments made in these documents will need to take migration into account. Gender, for example, is a key concern of the Pact, but to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (Action 8), engaging with the ways in which gender affects migration decision‑making and experiences of mobility will be key (as discussed by Silva and Pereira). Youth, specifically improving avenues for youth

achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (Action 8), engaging with the ways in which gender affects migration decision‑making and experiences of mobility will be key (as discussed by Silva and Pereira). Youth, specifically improving avenues for youth participation in national and global processes, is also a focus of the Outcome Documents. But involving a diverse range of youth in such processes, including those with migrant backgrounds, can be challenging, particularly where there is a lack of trust in official processes due to poor responses to xenophobic bullying, something which migrant youth struggle to escape as it takes place in the online world (as illustrated by Maqbool).3 Summit of the Future Special Issue MIGRATION POLICY PRACTICE The Global Digital Compact has outlined “ambitious steps to make the digital space safer for all through greater accountability of tech companies and social media platforms and actions to tackle disinformation and online harms”. 5 Meanwhile, there are barriers to taking these steps that will not be easy to address (Musizvingoza and Maqbool); if the commitments in the Compact are met, there are real opportunities for initiatives that can and do support migrants and people on the move, including displaced women (Jeziorek) and for the ethical use of artificial intelligence in migration management (Triboulet). In 2024, IOM and the School of International Futures published a paper titled Reimagining Migration and Mobility: New Ideas for an Age‑old Human Phenomenon .6 Informed by an expert workshop held in Istanbul in October 2023, the paper explores what possibilities exist if the idea that migration can be beneficial for all is taken seriously, specifically in relation to the issues that underpinned discussions at the Summit of the Future, including intergenerational fairness and climate change. Building on this work and following a global call for abstracts from junior researchers, 7 this issue presents five pieces in which researchers present

seriously, specifically in relation to the issues that underpinned discussions at the Summit of the Future, including intergenerational fairness and climate change. Building on this work and following a global call for abstracts from junior researchers, 7 this issue presents five pieces in which researchers present their research in the context of the Summit of the Future Outcome Documents. Given the importance of the commitments made in these 5 United Nations, Pact for the Future: What it delivers (2024). 6 Andrew Curry, Iman Bashir and Paul Raven, Reimagining Migration and Mobility: New Ideas for an Age‑old Human Phenomenon (Geneva and London, IOM and School of International Futures (SOIF), 2024). 7 The term is used to refer to those currently undertaking their PhD or who graduated with their PhD in the last five years. documents, and notwithstanding the fast‑paced changes currently witnessed in the multilateral system and global order, this issue shares work from the next generation of scholars on what the Summit outcomes might mean for migration in the future. The guest editor of this issue of Migration Policy Practice, Thea de Gruchy, and the MPP editorial team would like to extend their gratitude to the peer reviewers for this issue (see details in text box) for their critical contributions to supporting research and analysis on migration policy and practice. We hope you enjoy this issue. Peer reviewers • Prof Ana Beduschi (University of Exeter)

• Prof Jacqueline Bhabha (Harvard University)
• Prof Eleonore Kofman (Middlesex University) • Dr Linda Oucho (African Migration and Development Policy Centre)Summit of the Future Special Issue

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4 Connecting the Pact for the Future with the experiences of migrant women: Implications for more inclusive migration policies in Portugal Patricia Silva and Henrique Pereira1 Introduction Women1represent 48 per cent of the global migrant population. 2 Within the Portuguese context, the country recorded a total of

4 Connecting the Pact for the Future with the experiences of migrant women: Implications for more inclusive migration policies in Portugal Patricia Silva and Henrique Pereira1 Introduction Women1represent 48 per cent of the global migrant population. 2 Within the Portuguese context, the country recorded a total of 1,044,606 foreign residents in 2023, 47 per cent of whom were women. 3 Migrant women in Portugal play an important role in strengthening the economy and society, often contributing through essential yet informal sectors, such as domestic work, caregiving, hospitality and agriculture, which highlights their role in shaping the dynamics of the migration process.4 Despite women’s substantial contribution to the transformation of their communities of origin and destination, gender inequalities persist. According to the equality annual progress report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), none of the indicators associated with SDG 5, which regards gender equality, are being fully achieved. At the current rate, it will take 137  years for gender disparities to be eliminated. For migrant 1 Patricia Silva is a PhD student in Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in Portugal and a research fellow by the Foundation for Science and T echnology, focusing on psychosocial well‑being in the migration process and vulnerable communities (2022.11985. BDANA). Henrique Pereira is a Full Professor of Psychology at UBI and a member of the Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development Research Centre in Portugal. His research focuses on human sexuality, gender studies and vulnerable communities. 2 Marie McAuliffe and Linda Adhiambo Oucho (eds.), World Migration Report 2024 (Geneva, IOM, 2024). 3 Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2023 [Migration and Asylum Report 2023] (Lisbon, Directorate for Planning, Studies and Statistics (DPEE), 2024) (in Portuguese).

3 Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2023 [Migration and Asylum Report 2023] (Lisbon, Directorate for Planning, Studies and Statistics (DPEE), 2024) (in Portuguese). 4 Caterina Reis de Oliveira, Indicadores de Integração de Imigrantes: Relatório Estatístico Anual 2023 [Indicators of Immigrant Integration: Annual Statistical Report 2023] (Lisbon, Observatory for Migration, 2023) (in Portuguese). women, the intersectionality of gender, race, class and other markers of discrimination exacerbates these inequalities, placing them in positions of greater vulnerability, limiting their opportunities, affecting their well‑being and compromising their integration.5 This phenomenon reflects the importance of incorporating a gender lens in the development of policies and practices that seek the full and equal integration of migrant women. In response to these concerns, the Pact for the Future, approved in September 2024 at the Summit of the Future, consolidated commitments to promote gender equality, highlighting it as a central element to achieve fairer and more sustainable societies. 6 However, for transformations to meet the needs of migrant women, they must play a central role in the process of change. Objective and methods This policy paper aims to explore the motivations, needs and lived experiences of migrant women in Portugal, focusing on the adaptation process and the structural barriers that impact gender equality. By addressing these issues, the study seeks to contribute to discussions on shaping 5 United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2024 (New York, UN Women and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2024). 6 United Nations, Summit of the Future Outcome Documents: Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations (2024).5 Summit of the Future Special Issue

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Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2024). 6 United Nations, Summit of the Future Outcome Documents: Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations (2024).5 Summit of the Future Special Issue MIGRATION POLICY PRACTICE fairer and more gender‑responsive migration policies, aligned with the commitments of the Pact for the Future and the SDGs. A mixed‑methods approach was used to capture the breadth of migrant women’s experiences. The quantitative part enabled participants to select their key motivations for migration and challenges faced in Portugal based on predefined options grounded in the literature. Open‑ended questions enabled respondents to describe other motivations, difficulties and experiences. Data was collected through electronic interviews, with 206 migrant women from 48 nationalities between January and August 2024. Using thematic and critical analysis, the study highlights the barriers and proposes discussions for public policies. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the University of Beira Interior in Portugal (CE‑UBI‑Pj‑2022‑055‑ID). Why women migrate to Portugal The participants identified the reasons behind their decisions to migrate to Portugal. The findings underscore the complexity of migratory dynamics, revealing a combination of structural, social and personal factors influencing these choices. Figure 1 illustrates the motivations identified and their frequency. The most frequent reason was the search for new experiences (N=88, 42.7%), suggesting that migration may be motivated by the desire to expand horizons, acquire experiences and explore opportunities for personal growth. This data reinforces the importance of not homogenizing migratory experiences, recognizing that they can be both a proactive choice and a necessity driven by adverse circumstances. Additionally, some migrant women identified facilitating aspects in the decision to migrate, such as the absence of Figure 1. Motivations for migration No issues with the currency of Portugal Climate issues/Natural disasters Human rights violations Discrimination, prejudice, harassment

by adverse circumstances. Additionally, some migrant women identified facilitating aspects in the decision to migrate, such as the absence of Figure 1. Motivations for migration No issues with the currency of Portugal Climate issues/Natural disasters Human rights violations Discrimination, prejudice, harassment Difficulty accessing public health services Poor educational opportunities Armed con/f_licts and civil wars Economic and /f_inancial problems Political issues/Political persecution No issues with the Portuguese language Lack of job opportunities Family reuni/f_ication Low quality of life Lack of personal and/or social security Seeking new experiences 88 79 66 62 39 38 34 34 28 21 18 16 15 15 14

Source: Original elaboration by the authors based on the results of the study.6

Summit of the Future Special Issue MIGRATION POLICY PRACTICE language barriers with Portuguese (N=38, 18.4%) and familiarity with the national currency of Portugal (N=14, 6.8%). These factors, while less frequent, highlight the importance of cultural and structural elements that can make the destination more accessible and less intimidating. Conversely, aspects such as personal and social insecurity, mentioned by 79 participants (38.3%), armed conflicts and civil wars (N=28, 13.6%) and political persecution (N=34, 16.5%), highlight the influence of security and political instabilities on migratory flows and reveal the seriousness of the conditions of vulnerability faced in many countries of origin. These contexts, combined with human rights violations (N=15, 7.3%), discrimination, harassment and abuses (N=16, 7.8%) in their countries of origin generate an unsustainable environment, especially for women who face greater gender‑based risks, and reinforce the perception that migration in many cases is a necessity. Structural factors, such as lack of employment

discrimination, harassment and abuses (N=16, 7.8%) in their countries of origin generate an unsustainable environment, especially for women who face greater gender‑based risks, and reinforce the perception that migration in many cases is a necessity. Structural factors, such as lack of employment opportunities (N=39, 19.9%), economic and financial problems (N=34, 16.5%), difficulties in accessing public health services (N=18, 8.7%) and education (N=21, 10.1%), indicate that migration decisions may also be influenced by precarious socioeconomic conditions and point to gaps in the social welfare systems of countries of origin. These limitations can exacerbate gender inequalities, depriving women of essential resources for their health, autonomy and development and creates a hostile and uncertain environment where individual rights and freedoms can be suppressed. Family reunification, mentioned by 62 women (30%), demonstrates the weight of family dynamics in migration decisions. This motivation underlines the importance of affective bonds as a driver for international mobility, especially in situations where families are dispersed due to conflict, previous migration of other members or economic issues. The need to restore family unity is a priority and often vital for the emotional and social well‑being of migrants and also implies the disproportionate culture of domestic and family care applied to women. Although natural disasters and climate change were mentioned by a minority of women (N=15, 7.2%), their inclusion suggests climate change is an important factor in global migration dynamics. These issues, combined with other structural factors, demonstrate how climate change and environmental disasters can destabilize entire communities, forcing displacement, especially in vulnerable countries. Finally, the low quality of life mentioned by 66 participants (32%) emerges as one of the most comprehensive and transversal factors in migratory motivations. The low quality of life reflects an adverse socioeconomic context and a lack of prospects for future improvements. For

vulnerable countries. Finally, the low quality of life mentioned by 66 participants (32%) emerges as one of the most comprehensive and transversal factors in migratory motivations. The low quality of life reflects an adverse socioeconomic context and a lack of prospects for future improvements. For many women, being in this situation can generate an impulse to migrate, in search of conditions that make it possible to meet immediate needs and build a more promising future and possibilities for personal and family development that their contexts of origin were not able to provide.7 Summit of the Future Special Issue MIGRATION POLICY PRACTICE These findings align with previous studies, which highlight that migration is rarely driven by a single factor but rather emerges from interconnected motivations such as economic insecurity, political instability, environmental pressures and aspirations for a better life. Migration decisions are thus shaped by aspirations and capabilities, personal agency, access to resources and the perceived risks of staying versus migrating. 7 For women, other specificities such as escaping patriarchal norms, domestic violence and 7 Bram Frouws, Jane Linekar, Julia Litzkow and Roberto Forin, Why People Migrate: Insights and Key Messages Drawn from a Decade of MMC Research and 4Mi Data Collection, Briefing paper (Mixed Migration Centre, 2022). Figure 2. Main needs for adaptation in Portugal 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 Access to education for children Addressing gender-based violence and abuse Safety and security in the community Access to leisure and recreational activities More opportunities for community involvement Accessible public transportation Addressing language barriers in accessing services Access to mental health resources Information about local resources and services Financial support and guidance Access to legal employment and protection from exploitation Cultural sensitivity and awareness among service providers Access to social bene/f_its and support programmes Integration into local culture and customs Social support networks Education and training programmes Addressing discrimination and bias against immigrants Language learning support Legal information and assistance

Financial support and guidance Access to legal employment and protection from exploitation Cultural sensitivity and awareness among service providers Access to social bene/f_its and support programmes Integration into local culture and customs Social support networks Education and training programmes Addressing discrimination and bias against immigrants Language learning support Legal information and assistance Access to health-care services Affordable and suitable housing Employment opportunities 144 115 104 98 95 89 85 80 76 72 72 71 71 69 68 62 56 56 55 47 38 37

Source: Original elaboration by the authors based on the results of the study. economic marginalization, together with the demand for care work in destination countries, illustrate how gender dynamics profoundly shape migration process.8

Main needs for adaptation in Portugal Participants highlighted diverse challenges in adapting to the social, economic and cultural context of Portugal. Figure 2 shows these needs and their frequency. 8 Athina Anastasiadou, Jisu Kim, A. Ebru Şanlitürk, Helga de Valk and Emilio Zagheni, “ Sex‑ and gender‑based differences in the migration process: a systematic literature review”, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research Working Paper no. 39 (Rostock, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, 2023).8 Summit of the Future Special Issue MIGRATION POLICY PRACTICE The lack of access to employment opportunities mentioned by 144 participants (69.9%) reflects the importance of work in promoting economic stability, autonomy and dignity. However, barriers faced, such as access to legal employment and protection from exploitation (N=71, 34.5%) mean that even when such opportunities are available, they do not always guarantee a level playing field or adequate protection, especially for women.9 Needs related to infrastructure and basic services were frequently reported, including adequate

protection from exploitation (N=71, 34.5%) mean that even when such opportunities are available, they do not always guarantee a level playing field or adequate protection, especially for women.9 Needs related to infrastructure and basic services were frequently reported, including adequate housing (N=115, 55.8%), access to health services (N=104, 50.5%), educational programmes (N=85, 41.3%), public transportation (N=56, 27.2%) and education for children (N=37, 18%). These elements form the basis for ensuring integration in the destination country and are reported by several sources of data around the world.10 Participants also highlighted the importance of having access to information on local resources and services (N=69, 33.5%), financial support and guidance (N=71, 34.5%), social benefit programmes (N=72, 34.9%), language learning support (N=95, 46.1%) and legal assistance (N=98, 47.6%). Two important points mentioned are linked here, namely, the need to address language barriers in accessing services (N=62, 30%) and the improvement in the cultural sensitivity of service providers (N=72, 34.9%). These types of support play a central role in the integration of migrant women, providing them 9 IOM, “Gender and migration: Trends, gaps and urgent action ” in World Migration Report 2024 (Marie McAuliffe and Linda Adhiambo Oucho, eds.) (Geneva, IOM, 2024). 10 Migration Data Portal, Migrant integration (last updated 24 September 2020). with practical tools to navigate the administrative system and reduce structural inequalities. 11 Limited language fluency and a lack of culturally informed approaches hinder access to rights and services, exacerbating inequalities and complicating integration. In terms of cultural integration, the participants highlighted the need for greater access to

with practical tools to navigate the administrative system and reduce structural inequalities. 11 Limited language fluency and a lack of culturally informed approaches hinder access to rights and services, exacerbating inequalities and complicating integration. In terms of cultural integration, the participants highlighted the need for greater access to leisure and recreational activities (N=55, 26.6%), opportunities for community involvement (N=56, 27.2%), initiatives that promote integration into local culture and customs (N=76, 36.9%) and the creation of social support networks (N=80, 38.8%). These results reflect the importance of spaces that allow social interaction, leisure and the reinforcement of a sense of belonging, reducing isolation and promoting active participation in the host society.12 Finally, issues related to personal and social safety were also reported, including addressing gender‑based violence and abuse (N=38, 18.4%), safety in the community (N=47, 22.8%) and discrimination and prejudice against immigrants (N=89, 43.2%). The findings align with existing literature, which highlights how migrant women often face heightened vulnerability to violence, exploitation and systemic discrimination, exacerbated by limited access to protection mechanisms and legal support.13 11 Frouws et al., 2022. 12 Anastasiadou et al., 2023. 13 European Institute for Gender Equality, Sectoral Brief: Gender and Migration (Vilnius, European Institute for Gender Equality, 2020).9 Summit of the Future Special Issue MIGRATION POLICY PRACTICE Connection with the Pact for the Future and implications for migration policy This study offers important contributions to understanding female migration in Portugal as a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by structural, social and emotional factors. From a local perspective, the results corroborate previous data on migrant integration in the country that highlight the urgent need to address gender inequality in the integration process, which

understanding female migration in Portugal as a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by structural, social and emotional factors. From a local perspective, the results corroborate previous data on migrant integration in the country that highlight the urgent need to address gender inequality in the integration process, which undermines the inclusion and well‑being of migrant women. 14 From a global perspective, the results contribute to the discussion about the intersection between migration and gender, reinforcing the importance of addressing the structural barriers faced by women in countries of origin, transit and reception to amplify the positive impacts of migration on societies of origin and destination. Amplifying the voices of migrant women and responding to their needs is essential for the development of fact‑based and gender‑sensitive migration policies. This approach is connected to the commitments of the Pact for the Future and the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda. The Pact’s focus on women’s representation in decision‑making processes, particularly in peace and security contexts, as highlighted in Action 19, directly aligns with this study’s emphasis on involving migrant women in policymaking. Strengthening gender‑disaggregated data is a key step in ensuring that these policies are informed by the lived realities of migrant women, promoting more inclusive governance frameworks. 14 IOM, 2024. The Pact also emphasizes that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full participation of women and girls in all spheres. The findings of this study reinforce these principles by highlighting persistent barriers faced by migrant women in both origin and host countries. These barriers include limited access to employment, education, housing, basic services and social participation, as well as economic, political and legal challenges. Such issues resonate with Actions 8 and 31 of the Pact, which stress the urgency of removing structural and social barriers and investing in policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. In Portugal, some practices specifically designed for migrant women have emerged to address

political and legal challenges. Such issues resonate with Actions 8 and 31 of the Pact, which stress the urgency of removing structural and social barriers and investing in policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. In Portugal, some practices specifically designed for migrant women have emerged to address these challenges. Initiatives, such as the Flora Project, Namaste Portugal , the ENFEM Project , Vote With Her and the WIW Project , are centred on offering safe spaces for participation, legal assistance, civil rights, health and protection services, capacitation, psychosocial support and empowerment. Expanding these initiatives and developing new efforts could further enhance the integration and well‑being of migrant women in the country. Furthermore, the experiences of the participants in this study revealed issues, such as gender‑based violence, discrimination, migration driven by armed conflicts, civil wars and human rights violations, both in their countries of origin and during their adaptation in Portugal, underlining the pervasive nature of these challenges. These findings align with Actions 14 and 19 of the Pact, which emphasize the protection of civilians, particularly women, in conflict and post‑conflict situations, as well as the need to address conflict‑related sexual violence and other specific10 Summit of the Future Special Issue MIGRATION POLICY PRACTICE vulnerabilities faced by migrant women. In this context, programmes that address discrimination and promote equity, as well as ini