Leir Migration Monitor: June 2024
How the Inter-American Court Could Advance Protection for Climate-Displaced Individuals
By Felipe Navarro, Policy & Advocacy Manager at the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (CGRS) and Fletcher School, MALD ’15.
In a piece published in Just Security, Felipe Navarro discusses protection for climate-displaced individuals in the context of cross-border displacement. The piece draws from an amicus brief that the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (CGRS) filed in collaboration with partner organizations and academics to inform the Court’s upcoming advisory opinion on the “Climate Emergency and Human Rights.” It includes insights from Navarro’s preparation for his participation in the April public hearings in Barbados, held as part of the process of the advisory opinion by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR).
Introducing LMM’s Commentary Section
‘Tis the Season
By Joy Olson, Senior Fellow at the Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security
In our inaugural commentary section, Joy Olson describes how the summer heat, US border security policy, exposure to the elements, criminal organizations, and multiple jurisdictions impact the migrant death toll along the perilous journey to the US-Mexico border.
Spotlight: Gilberto Calderin, F24
Gilberto Calderin is the Director of Advocacy at Ascentria Care Alliance, a 150-year human services non-profit in New England. He looks forward to championing meaningful causes, driving positive impact, and advocating for the rights and well-being of those in need. He has an extensive background in government and a deep understanding of immigration law and policy. Before joining Ascentria, Gilberto served as an Immigration Specialist in the office of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. In that role, he worked tirelessly to advocate for a resolution to the dire situation of many immigrant families. He hopes to continue fighting the good fight for a more inclusive, just, and welcoming immigration system.
Gilberto is a proud immigrant from Cuba and grew up in Miami, FL. He received his Master of Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and his Bachelor’s Degree in International and Global Studies from Brandeis University. He is also an alumnus of the Rappaport Public Policy Fellowship Program, where he spent a summer working at the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants to craft innovative solutions to the challenges many immigrants face across the Commonwealth.
Current Role: Director of Advocacy at Ascentria Care Alliance
I am working on: As the Director of Advocacy, I am opposing New Hampshire legislation that would deny refugees and asylees access to driver’s licenses. Driving is essential for daily life in the Granite State due to limited public transit. Educating the public and elected officials on the importance of refugees and asylees is crucial, as restricting their driving ability negatively impacts them, their families, and New Hampshire’s economy.
An insight I’ve discovered: Advocacy often begins with a personal struggle, gradually evolving into a campaign for broader systemic change. The paradox is that institutions, like governments, rarely change independently; they only do so when compelled. This is where advocates come in, serving as the catalysts for change, inspiring hope, and driving progress.
I am passionate about: Gilberto is thrilled to be part of the Ascentria family, where he can make a real difference in the lives of people across New England. With a background in constituent services, government, and policy, Gilberto is eager to put his skills to work in areas close to his heart, such as improving senior care, supporting the journey of refugees and immigrants, and advocating for better and equitable transportation options. He is particularly passionate about enhancing mental health and disability services, bolstering programs for children, youth, and families, and ensuring everyone can access services in their language. Gilberto’s commitment is to listen to and understand each community’s unique stories and challenges, fostering an environment where every individual and family feels supported and valued.