Global perspective on migration and human displacement: theory, research and practices for enacting an occupation-based approach: pre-conference workshop

How societies respond to the challenges of human migration is one of the most morally defining and socioeconomically consequential policy decisions of our time. As anti-immigrant parties across the Global North seek to capitalize on public concerns about immigrant inclusion and border control, immigration has turned into a deepening social and political cleavage. Meanwhile, the greatest immigration challenges are faced in the Global South. The vast majority of refugees who are forcibly displaced by war, political violence, poverty and environmental disasters seek refuge in neighbouring regions where many states lack the capacity to adequately support them. Given these challenges it is imperative for occupational therapists and scientists to work collaboratively to support equitable occupational possibilities for immigrants, refugees and internally displaced persons.