In October 2023, the Urban Sanctuary, Migrant Solidarity and Hospitality in Global Perspective partnership project hosted a roundtable at UWC’s International Symposium on Migration and Mobilities in Cape Town. 

The Roundtable Session on “Urban Sanctuary, Migrant Solidarity and Hospitality in African Cities: Research Meets Practice” aimed to foster discussion between academics and practitioners on experiences and perspectives on migrant solidarity. 

Prof Harald Bauder, Project Director and Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University, spoke on “From National Sovereignty to Urban Solidarity: Global Perspectives of Migrant and Refugee Protection” 

Ms Nomkhosi Mbatha (UWC) and Ms Perfect Mazani (UWC) introduced the roundtable. After opening presentations, panelists participated in a  moderated discussion by Prof Harald Bauder and Dr Leah Koskimaki (UWC). The discussion focused on relevant and critical research gaps in local policies and practices with regard to precarious migrants and refugees,  and how we can build partnerships and networks locally or transnationally for migrant and refugee solidarity. 

Roundtable participants included:

• Dr Derese Kassa, Iona University, New York
• Dr Khangelani Moyo, University of the Free State – Qwaqwa Campus  
• Prof Faisal Garba, University of Cape Town and The Africa Institute, Sharjah
• Prof Shannon Morreira, University of Cape Town
• Mr Mingizem Maru Shibeshi, National Program Officer, IOM Ethiopia
• Kiran Kaur, Head of Field Office, UNHCR Cape Town
• Ms Lelethu Nogwavu, Human Rights Project Development Officer, Africa Unite

The Urban Sanctuary, Migrant Solidarity and Hospitality in Global Perspective partnership project brings together dozens of academics and partner organizations to co-develop and share evidence-based knowledge related to the policies and practices of accommodating vulnerable and precarious migrants and refugees in major urban centres in Africa, Europe, North America, and Latin America. It involves a team of international academics and cross-sectoral partners that examine the complex and multifaceted approaches to migrant and refugee settlement. The project aims to help urban decision makers develop innovative policies of migrant and refugee inclusion, while enhancing scholarly knowledge.