Call for Applications: Scholars at Risk Network / Centre for Migration Studies Responsive Research Project

Understanding Canadian Resettlement Pathways to Assist Afghan Scholars, Researchers, Advocates and Civil Society Actors

Project Objectives and Background

The main project objective is to provide a concise set of resources on potential resettlement pathways into Canada for Afghan scholars (broadly defined) and related actors (researchers, advocates and civil society actors). Understanding these options will allow the Scholars at Risk Network (SAR), Scholar at Risk-Canada (SAR-CAN) as well as other similar organizations to both respond to the immediate crisis of getting these actors to safety in the short term, whilst concurrently helping these organizations explore more sustainable long term solutions for resettlement. More information on SAR’s response to the Afghanistan crisis can be found here. SAR Canada’s formal statement on the situation in Afghanistan can be found here. The project also seeks to help us understand what further advocacy is required in the Canadian context to support Afghan scholars in the immediate term, and at-risk scholars in the future.

Project Deliverables

SAR is currently is researching the wide range of immigration pathways that might allow them to support the protection of the huge influx of Afghan scholars, advocates and civil society actors who have reached out to them for assistance following the take-over by the Taliban. In the US, a mapping of the broad range of immigration pathways is already emerging (P1, P2, SIV, Parole, travel via Guam, political pressure to expand refugee quotas etc). Some of these US and International focused resources are being gathered in this document, though information continues to change and emerge.

SAR has approached the UBC Centre for Migration Studies, asking for similar mapping to be conducted for the Canadian context. A policy matrix for presenting information to SAR will be provided—though this is not exhaustive and the research team may adapt and add categories/issues as needed. A full bibliography will also be completed, along with a brief written report/executive summary of 3-4 pages. Stakeholders are interested in answers to the following.

For the policy matrix and bibliography:

1. What short term or emergency programs are available to assist Afghan scholars in the short term in reaching Canada to ensure their immediate safety and how can these pathways be accessed by at risk Afghan scholars and related actors (for those both in Afghanistan and for those who have managed to get to a 3^rd country already)
2. What durable resettlement/immigration pathways exist for longer term resettlement of Afghan Scholars and related actors in Canada, and how can these pathways be accessed by at risk Afghan Scholars and related actors.
3. Related to the above, the research team is expected to explore both federal and provincial programs that could be accessed as well as any international initiatives that Canada could also participate in.

For the written report/executive summary

4. Where is political advocacy needed and potentially most effective to increase Canada’s role in resettling these actors? Are there programs noted above that could be key targets for SAR, SAR Canada and related SAR student groups as they campaign for program expansion?
5. Other issues/questions for future research arising from the research that are pertinent for SAR/SAR Canada to consider in the re-settlement of Afghan scholars and related actors.

Project Dates

This is a short term, responsive emergency request from SAR and we are looking to begin the project on or around September 23^th and deliver findings by the end of October 2021. Further related research questions may emerge through the initial research or other follow up questions may arise from SAR. Members of the research team are invited to signify their interest to the Faculty Leads if they would be interested in continuing research past this date.

How will the research be used?

The research will be shared with the Scholars At Risk Protection Team as well as the SAR Canada Executive Team. The report will be used to both advise Afghan scholars and related actors who are seeking protection and for whom Canada might be a feasible option. It will also be used by SAR Canada to advise any members of their own network who are seeking to support scholars. Further, SAR-Canada and their network members (higher education institutions) may use the research to consider if and how they could engage in further advocacy that would see Canada increasing its commitment to helping at risk scholars and civil society actors (both from Afghanistan and other countries).  In particular, the research might inform future research and advocacy strategies of the UBC SAR Human Rights Collective and will be of interest to the UBC-SAR Advisory Committee in terms of considering UBCs role and capacity for protecting at risk scholars.

Faculty Advisors

• Antje Ellermann: Director, UBC Centre for Migration Studies, Professor of Political Science
• Jenny Peterson: Faculty Advisor, UBC SAR Human Rights Collective and Member, UBC-SAR Advisory committee

Application Details

Please submit your CV along with a 400-word personal statement which details your suitability, motivation, and availability for participating in this project to Prof. Ellermann by September 17^th 5pm at antje.ellermann@ubc.ca, subject line: Scholars at Risk Research. All members of the research team are expected to volunteer their time and expertise, without financial compensation. The UBC Centre for Migration Studies will cover essential research related costs up to $500.

Further Information and Details

Although the research teams will work independently under the supervision of Prof. Ellermann, the project will be embedded in the UBC-SAR Human Rights Collective which is run out of UBC’s Office for International and Regional Community Engagement. Background resources that the team will find useful will be shared on the Collective’s Canvas shell and if the research team chooses, they are welcome to participate in the Collective’s events, trainings and other opportunities. Dr. Peterson will be available to advise and answer questions related to SAR more generally as well as information regarding SARs work at UBC which spans all three areas of SARs work–Protection, Learning and Advocacy.