Global Migration Lab

Global Migration Lab logo

The Global Migration Lab seeks to ensure that the voices, expertise and experience of migrants and the communities in which they live, work and transit are amplified to guide and inform migration policy and operations, and that research on migration builds on evidence from people directly affected.

Our work aims to provide partners, governments and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement with recommendations and insights to influence the structural factors that give rise to vulnerabilities experienced by migrants across the world.

Introducing the Global Migration Lab: What We Do [in English].

This video is also available in French, Spanish and Arabic.

About us

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has operations on the ground in 192 countries - from providing food and shelter in refugee camps and information and healthcare to migrant workers, to supporting those affected by armed conflict or natural disasters. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the globe have unparalleled relationships with local communities and are auxiliaries to government in the humanitarian field. Bound by the fundamental principle of neutrality, Red Cross Red Crescent actors speak up for migrants’ safety, dignity and rights without seeking to encourage, discourage or prevent migration.

The Global Migration Lab was created to channel the power and potential of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement into the creation of viable alternatives to existing migration laws and policies that alleviate human suffering.

Using research and partnerships, the Global Migration Lab applies design thinking to the challenges of migration governance. The Lab co-designs, tests, implements and advocates for alternatives to current practices that:

  • respond to the needs and interests of vulnerable migrants
  • address the concerns of host communities and
  • alleviate human suffering.

Subscribe to updates Receive information about Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab publications, events and activities.

How we work

Identify
Pinpoint specific locations and contexts that are representative of common tensions and challenges in migration governance.

Research
Conduct multi-country comparative research projects that involve National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, key partners and migrant representatives to gather, analyse and interpret large qualitative and quantitative datasets collected from the frontlines.

Co-design
Using the research findings, bring together humanitarian practitioners, migrant and community representatives and policymakers in a process of co-design resulting in alternatives to current migration laws and policies and improvements to existing humanitarian responses that can be implemented in the short-term, medium-term and long-term. Identify pilot locations to test alternatives and iterate proposed alternatives.

Implement and advocate
Implement the lessons learned from pilots in the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Engage in policy advocacy at the national, regional and international levels to promote the research and co-design lessons and outcomes.

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