Research Paper for Global Migration Lab (Australian Red Cross): Addressing Humanitarian Challenges and Protecting Migrants in the Global South

Abstract

This report, prepared for the Australian Red Cross Global Migration Lab, examines protection mechanisms for migrants in the Global South, focusing on Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, and South Africa. Through comparative analysis of domestic and regional policies, it evaluates how protection is understood and implemented across humanitarian, legal, and socio-economic contexts. The report identifies challenges including securitisation, irregular migration, and gender-based vulnerabilities, and highlights good practices such as regularisation schemes and regional cooperation. It concludes with recommendations to strengthen migrant protection through inclusive policy design, coordination between state and non-state actors, and rights-based approaches to migration governance.