It’s time to get to know another of the associations who took part to the international seminar organized by Nexes in Barcelona during November 2024. Here we would like to present the Migration Research Association (GAR) through the words of Esra Demirkol Colosio:
“The Migration Research Association (GAR) was founded in September 2017 in Istanbul to address critical issues in migration research. GAR focuses on producing rights-based, evidence-driven knowledge, advocating for the rights of migrants and refugees, and fostering academic collaboration in the field of migration. GAR’s key objectives include promoting interdisciplinary research, raising awareness of migrant and refugee vulnerabilities, and advocating for inclusive, rights-centered policies. It also aims to counter the growing anti-migrant sentiment and misinformation by ensuring that research on migration is critical, democratic, and aligned with international human rights standards. GAR’s activities involve monitoring migration-related legislation and policies, promoting rights-based scientific knowledge, and building tools to challenge discriminatory narratives. It also offers training and workshops to strengthen research capacities and knowledge dissemination in the field. GAR stands out for its commitment to critical academic research, advocacy based on evidence, and fostering collaborations with migrants, refugees, and civil society organizations.
My experience at the Migrantour seminar in Barcelona was both insightful and inspiring. It provided a unique opportunity to engage with participants from across Europe, all of whom are involved in migration-related initiatives, offering diverse perspectives and approaches to migration issues. I learned about various best practices for conducting Migrantour walks, which aim to offer transformative narratives that highlight the lived experiences of migrants and refugees in urban settings. Through sharing experiences with organizations like Nexes (Spain), Collective Nouns (The Netherlands), and ACRA – Viaggi Solidali (Italy), I gained a deeper understanding of how migration can be approached as a powerful tool for fostering intercultural dialogue and social integration. The seminar also offered a valuable platform for building cross-European partnerships, which I believe will be key to strengthening future collaborative efforts in migration research and activism”.