CARFMS27: Call for Papers

CARFMS27: Call for Papers

The Unravelling of Refuge: Resettlement, Peacebuilding, and Safety in a World of Uncertainty

17^th Biannual Conference of the Canadian Association for Refugee

and Forced Migration Studies (CARFMS)

12-14 May 2027

Hosted in collaboration with

St John’s College, University of Manitoba

Submit your proposal online

Direct link: https://site.pheedloop.com/portal/event/EVEKNUIGFYIDD/submission/CALPJNER4Y8PWSQ/application#start

Submission deadline: October 1, 2026

Today’s global forced migration is defined by deep uncertainty, in ways that were unimaginable in previous decades. Refugees and forced migrants are increasingly rejected at international borders and are detained and deported in larger numbers. Resettlement countries such as Canada and the USA have drastically decreased their commitments to resettlement. Other countries have passed legislation that curtails the resettlement of forced migrants from all regions, while others prioritize those from certain countries. The Consultation on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP) in Geneva in summer 2026 will be one of the smallest in recent memory, signalling a near worldwide rejection of refugees and forced migration. The 2027 CARFMS conference is focused on the future of peacebuilding and safety for refugees asking, “What is the future of resettlement as one of UNHCR’s durable solutions?”

While we have listed several themes and subthemes below, we welcome any contribution related to the study of refugees and forced migrants at any stage of displacement and in the resettlement cycle.

We welcome proposals for:

• Research presentations
• Panels, roundtables, or workshops (90 minutes) – please identify the theme and individual contributors and contributions in your submission
• Film screenings, art exhibits, or other multimedia presentations
• Research posters

CONFERENCE THEMES AND SUBTHEMES

1.   Emerging Issues in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies

Emerging issues in refugee and forced migration studies are shifting focus toward climate-induced displacement, use of biometric tracking at borders, criminalization of migration, and protracted displacements. Under this theme, we encourage papers examining “forgotten” conflicts, and large-scale conflicts that disproportionately affect many parts of the world. Questions in this section include:

1. What innovative solutions to displacement and resettlement have countries proposed?
2. What role does political ideology play in determining and identifying refugees?
3. How have governments responded to the worldwide crises involving climate change and displacement?  
4. How do governments’ use of control measures and anti-migrant rhetoric impact the safety, rights, and integration of migrants?
5. Why do some conflicts in the world receive more attention than others?

• Understanding the Unique Experiences of Refugees and Subcultures

While there is an understanding that the experience of forced migration differs significantly based on demographics, country of origin, and arrival country, much research on refugees continues to homogenize this very diverse group. Papers in this section address some of the resettlement challenges of various groups including:

• Women
• 2SLGBTQ+ communities
• Age of refugees
• Refugees and forced migrants with disabilities
• Refugees from the Global South

• Host Society Receptivity

The global approach to refugee displacement is increasingly volatile, driven by unpredictable political agendas. Political dynamics critically shape how refugee and forced migration is experienced, managed, and resolved. Papers in this section address the following issues:

• Political extremism (e.g., right-wing and left-wing anti-refugee ideologies)
• Economic outcomes and scapegoating refugees
• Host society receptivity toward refugees

• Return Migration

Increasingly, refugees are returning to their countries of origin. Some return in the aftermath of the conflict to help rebuild. Many more, however, return because they are unable to successfully integrate in their new homeland or are forced out of their temporary homes because the host country no longer wishes to provide them safe shelter. Papers in this section focus on:

• Why are countries forcibly returning migrants?
• What are the experiences of return migrants?
• What resources and services are available for return migrants?
• Do return migrants have successful re-integration?

• Refugee Movement and Management: AI Discourses and Ethical Uses

Countries are applying AI “technologies” to “manage” the arrivals, resettlement and detention of would-be migrants. Countries like Canada are “triaging” queues of hundreds of thousands of refugee applicants as a way of speeding up the processing of applicants. We welcome papers in this section which examine the following:

• Uses and misuses of AI for migrant processing by governments
• Unintended consequences of using AI for making refugee determination
• The use of apps and other geo-mapping technologies during the migration process by migrants themselves
• New technologies that assist refugees in resettlement and settlement

• Innovative Research Methods and Approaches

CARFMS conferences provide a forum for presenting the latest research methods and approaches in the field of refugee and forced migration studies. Increasingly, researchers are partnering with refugees or others with lived experience of displacement to co-produce research. We welcome submissions related to:

• Benefits and challenges of co-produced research with forced migrants
• New, innovative, or creative methodologies
• Ethics of forced migration research
• Recruitment of hard to locate participants

The conference will be held, in person, at St John’s College, located on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate and Denesuline, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg. Limited travel subsidies may be available. For participants from countries requiring visas to enter Canada, we will issue visa invitation letters upon request. Please note that the processing times for such visas can be quite lengthy, so it might not be possible to receive a visa in time for the conference (visit IRCC’s website to check processing times). In other words, apply early!

CARFMS27 REGISTRATION & MEMBERSHIP

CARFMS membership is mandatory to present and participate in this event. CARFMS27 registration fees will include an association membership for those who are not already members. Those who purchased a CARFMS membership between conferences and whose existing CARFMS membership is still valid after 14 May 2027, your CARFMS27 registration rate will be discounted accordingly. There will be different registration fees for students, faculty members, etc. More information on registration and conference fees will be available in the fall.

CARFMS membership fees and donations are the main source of the Association’s operating and program costs. A membership in CARFMS enables access to events and activities that will help you network with scholars and practitioners, as well as keep current with research topics, approaches, and methodologies in the field of refugee and forced migration studies. CARFMS hosts a conference every two years, an annual student essay contest, a blog, a working paper series, and regular webinars. For more information, please see https://carfms.org/.