Migration Prediction, Policy and Human Rights

On the 28th April, Brunel University London will organize an in-person policy Conference: “Migration Prediction, Policy and Human Rights”

The aim of this 1-day interdisciplinary conference is to highlight the main human rights implications when using migration flow prediction technologies for humanitarian purposes. In 3 separate panels, this conference has the aim to discuss 1) the challenges posed by the misuse of migration flow prediction technology for humanitarian purposes within increasingly politically polarised contexts in the EU, 2) how bias, inaccuracy, and the misunderstanding of the context of use can negatively impact the human rights protection of migrants and refugees, and 3) the human rights policy challenges when using migration prediction technologies for humanitarian purposes.

This conference is organized by the Brunel Law School under the aegis of the ITFLOWS project. ITFLOWS is 3-year (2020-2023) EU-funded research project composed of 14 different research institutions and NGOs from all over Europe whose goal it is to provide accurate predictions and adequate management solutions of migration flows in the European Union.  

CONFERENCE PROGRAM:

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM (Alexandra Xanthaki)

Welcome & Coffee 

11:15 AM – 12:45 PM 

Panel #1: The Human Rights Misuse of Migration Flow Prediction Tools 

This panel discusses the human rights risks posed by migration flow prediction/forecasting. It sheds light on the way the intentional (mis)use of migration flow prediction technologies that serve more conservative and preventive migration policies and politics could jeopardise a range of fundamental rights for migrants. This panel also sheds light on the questions of liability around data protection and (un-)intended misuse of migration flow prediction tools.

Speakers:

Alexandra Xanthaki, Brunel Law School, Brunel University London, ITFLOWS

Asress Gikay, Brunel Law School, Brunel University London

Cristina Blasi, UAB/ITFLOWS

Discussant:

Derya Ozkul, Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford 

Chair:

Ermioni Xanthopoulou, Brunel Law School, Brunel University London, ITFLOWS

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM 

Lunch Break

1:30PM – 3:30 PM 

Panel #2: Bias, Inaccuracy and Context of Use of Migration Prediction Tools 

This panel discusses how data inaccuracy, terminological errors, bias, and the misunderstanding of the context of use in migration flow predictions can negatively impact the human rights protection of migrants and refugees, resulting in inefficient humanitarian responses.

Speakers:

Elif Kuskonmaz, School of Law at University of Portsmouth

Pin Lean Lau, Brunel Law School, Brunel University London

Diana Suleimenova, Computer Science, Brunel University London

Discussant:

Derek Groen, Computer Science, Brunel University London

Chair:

Alexandra Xanthaki, Brunel Law School, Brunel University London

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Coffee Break

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM 

Panel #3: Challenges to Policy Making

This panel addresses questions around the challenges to design and implement policies that structure the use of migration flow prediction technologies in the context of the increasingly politically charged migration management environment within the EU on the one hand, and the current absence of clearly outlined liability structures needed to adequately respond to the challenges posed by emergent technologies and especially AI technologies in the migration context.

Speakers:

Ann Singleton, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol

Karine Caunes, European Law Journal; Center for AI and Digital Policy

Paola Maieli, Red Cross Innovation Unit

Discussant:

Elena Abrusci, Brunel Law School, Brunel University London

Chair:

David James Cantor, School of Advanced Study, University of London

5:30 PM – 5:45 PM 

 Conclusions

Please follow this link for free registration and more information on the event. 

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