International Association of Migration and Refugee Judges Conference: World Conference Report
by admin on | 2025-12-04 08:31:25
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Introduction Over 200 judges and legal experts from around the world gathered in Nairobi for the 14th World Conference of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges, highlighting the global importance of protecting refugee and migration systems. The conference, held under the theme “Protecting the Integrity of the Refugee and Migration Systems,” provideday. Under the leadership of its outgoing President, Justice Isaac Lenaola, who was first elected in February 2020 in San José, Costa Rica and re-elected in May 2023 at The Hague, the IARMJ has grown to 700 members worldwide, fostering a global community of judges and legal experts committed to upholding the rights of refugees and migrants. In his keynote speech, President William Ruto highlighted that over 120 million people have been forced to flee from their homes due to conflict, persecution, economic hardship, famine, and environmental pressures. He stressed that no country can address this crisis alone and called for unity in giving hope and protection to those seeking safetyd a platform to discuss solutions to the complex challenges facing asylum systems to Over the three days of the conference, discussions focused on the strain on asylum systems, the rights of internally displaced persons, and the complexities of mixed movements, in which people move for multiple overlapping reasons. Speakers also reflected on how these issues affect the fairness and reliability of refugee and migration systems, and why judges play such a critical role in ensuring that people seeking safety are treated humanely and justly. While other topics were briefly touched on, such as security and the use of technology in legal processes, the main focus remained on understanding and protecting the integrity of the systems that govern who can find refuge and how they are treated. What stood out from the discussions was the urgent need to keep refugee and migration systems fair, humane and trustworthy. The conference in Nairobi showcased the essential work judges carry out in safeguarding these systems and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and vigilance to protect people on the move around the world.
