Book publication on migrants needing protection but posing public order risks

We are pleased to highlight the publication of a new book by our colleague Julia Zomignani Barboza, titled “Undesirable but Unreturnable Migrants: The Challenges of Dealing with Criminal Migrants in Need of Protection – A Comparative Analysis of Australia, Belgium and Canada.” The book is the result of Julia’s independent research conducted as part of her PhD.

The study explores how States regulate the situation of migrants who require international protection but who also have a criminal background or are considered a threat to public order. These cases raise complex policy and legal challenges, and States may at times adopt measures that risk infringing human rights.

Through a comparative analysis of Australia, Belgium and Canada, the book evaluates current regulatory approaches, identifies good practices and highlights the main challenges faced by national authorities. Building on this assessment, it proposes reforms to the international protection procedure aimed at developing a more sustainable and human-rights-compliant response to the situation of “undesirable but unreturnable” migrants.

This publication represents an important contribution to broader debates on migration governance, international protection and human rights.

The book forms part of the International Refugee Law Series.
Access the publication.