International migration, the movement of people across international boundaries, continues to be one of the most important issues of the global policy agenda for it generates enormous economic, social, and cultural implications in hosting countries.

According to a recently published report by the Global Commission on International Migration (GCIM), today, there are nearly 200 million migrants internationally, around 60 % of which are from developed countries, and the other 40 % from developing countries. According to the most recent UN statistics, Asia has approximately  49 million migrants, Africa 16 million, and the Latin America and Caribbean region 6 million (6).

The more developed regions receive each year about 2.3 million migrants coming from the less developed regions, accounting for two-thirds of their population growth. International economic disparities, demographic, and political developments coupled with the mounting concerns over the future of labor supply have renewed the attention of policymakers on labor migration issues once again. 

The Centre for Black Development Options Canada – CBDOC’s international Black Immigration and Refugee Conference 2024 will be the largest Black-led multi-sectoral convening to advance dialogue on the international migration and refugee crisis, bringing together international stakeholders in the immigration and refugee value chain to engage in dialogue and learn from each other.

The conference will bring together opinion /thought leaders and employers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, as well as Black immigrants and refugees, to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities for Black immigrants and Refugees.

Over the years, the Black immigrant and refugee populations in the world have more than tripled. This population is diverse, with most migrating from African and Caribbean countries. The Black immigrant population continues to face unique immigration challenges, mainly rooted in anti-Black discrimination and racism. From experience, Black immigrants and Refugees have brought tremendous value-contribution to countries they choose to call home, from meeting the labor needs of hosting countries to enriching multiculturalism.

Yet, the world is rapidly changing, and immigration as well as Refugee systems continue to evolve with it. Continued innovation is critical to amplify the benefits of immigration for both hosting countries and Black immigrants and Refugees themselves.   However, Black immigrants and Refugees face harsh conditions including higher rates of detention and deportation than other immigrant populations. Inspired by this significant immigration backdrop, CBDOC Immigration and Refugee Conference 2024 will influence inclusion, diversity, and innovation as we explore what is taking place in the immigration value chain. 

The conference will also highlight the struggle of many immigrants that have been chronicled. With this in mind, we will chronicle our journeys together, as we dissect the challenges ahead and help to cultivate and improve paths for all. Amongst the stories and journeys of migrants and Refugees, attendees will pause and reflect on struggles and successes of those who came before them and to those who are the original true inhabitants of Canada. 

The CBDOC Immigration and Refugee Conference 2024 will be guided by the three interlinked objectives :

• To catalyze collective action to advance (innovative?) international migration and Refugee-friendly policies.
• To hold leaders accountable for human rights violations, inclusion, and equity among immigrants, refugees, and their hosts.
• To create space for sharing global immigration experiences, opportunities, and challenges.

Championed by immigration and Refugee leaders from across Canada/internationally, each of the interactive concurrent sessions will focus on key subject matter. Speakers/leaders will drive conversations to help participants define the problem, workshop solutions, and develop key takeaways to address persistent challenges in the immigration system. Participants will gain insight into new and emerging practices and be part of driving them forward. 

Throughout the conference days, participants will attend a series of sessions that build on one another to test new ideas, exchange perspectives, and prototype solutions. Each theme will be championed by immigration leaders/practitioners who will act as expert resources.

It is expected that the conference will achieve the following interlinked outcomes; 

• Creation of a Technical Working Group to monitor trends on Black immigration and refugee situation in light of Canada’s 2023 to 2025 immigration targets. 
• Work alongside key thought leaders to innovate solutions for some of the most  perennial problems in the immigration value chain.  
• Delve deep into the big ideas, priorities, and strategies of top policy-makers, employers, and non-profit leaders.
• Hear about the employment experiences of Black refugees and immigrants.
• Share experiences and learnings with leaders to address current challenges facing Black immigrants and Refugees and their integration.  
• Benefit from in-person networking opportunities with immigration decision-makers. 
• Be inspired to take individual and collective action towards co-creating solutions to improve the immigration system.

Canada has been lauded and branded as a country with ‘progressive’ and a model for immigration and refugee-hosting around the world. Canada’s laws and policies largely aim at promoting the social and economic welfare of refugees and immigrants by fostering social integration within Canada. Canada is celebrated as a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive nation, with many accolades, and remains a destination of choice for many immigrants worldwide. It is described, like Australia and New Zealand, as a “settlement country,” where settlement is an integral part of nation building and immigration an intrinsic component of the national heritage (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2015). In short, despite some challenges, Canada is lauded as a successful immigrant nation, and perceived, in terms of its skilled migration system, as a “benchmark for other countries,” as supported by its strong integration outcomes (OECD, 2019). 

Toronto is one of the most multicultural urban areas in the world. Each year tens of thousands of newcomers from around the globe choose Toronto City as their new home. Their diverse cultures and communities have helped create Toronto’s identity as a vibrant global city. Significantly, the City of Toronto has served as Canada’s immigration gateway and a landing point for many.

The Centre for Black Development Options is designed to offer an unparalleled opportunity to work directly with Black Migrants and Refugees in Ontario – Canada.

CBDOC works to address the most critical issues facing Black Migrants and Refugees in Ontario by enhancing their knowledge and understanding. Read More