Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 1d

'Let there be no mistake: the daily repetition of atrocities is intended to numb our conscience. To make us feel powerless.

'But we are not. Our power is to maintain moral clarity and reaffirm fundamental humanitarian values.'– Filippo Grandi @unhcr.org

www.unhcr.org/news/speeche...

High Commissioner’s Opening Statement to the 76th plenary session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme | UNHCR

(As delivered)Mr. Chairman, Señor Presidente, Distinguished Delegates, Dear colleagues,

www.unhcr.org

1

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 3d

President Trump is expected to lower the ceiling on refugee admissions to 7,500, a drastic decrease from the cap of 125,000 set by the Biden administration last year, according to a presidential determination dated Sept. 30 and signed by Mr. Trump. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...

Trump Administration Is Said to Plan to Cut Refugee Admissions to a Record Low

www.nytimes.com

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 5d

Despite reports that Australia's govt is spending $1.5m a year for each person it holds in Nauru, asylum seekers there are going hungry: www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

Asylum seekers on Nauru going hungry despite government spending $1.5m a year for each person

The Australian government is spending millions of dollars a year to house asylum seekers, yet many say they can not afford food and are forced to skip meals

www.theguardian.com

4 2

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Keyvan Dorostkar @kdorostkar.bsky.social · 13d

Thank you to everyone at @mobileucph.bsky.social for so generously hosting me over the next three months and for creating opportunities like this!

@kaldorcentre.bsky.social @danghez.bsky.social

MOBILE - Center of Excellence for Global Mobility Law @mobileucph.bsky.social · 14d

🗓️ Tomorrow, 2pm – Open Lab at MOBILE!

Visiting PhD scholar Keyvan Dorostkar (@kaldorcentre.bsky.social) will challenge the long-held idea that restrictive asylum procedures are needed to ensure efficiency.

Interested? Drop by! 👇
mobilitylaw.ku.dk/calendar/202...

MOBILE - Mobility Law Open Lab with Keyvan Dorostkar

Re-Conceptualising the Relationship Between Fairness and Efficiency in Asylum Procedures

mobilitylaw.ku.dk

2 5

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 6d

Immigration attorneys have reported small but sharply rising numbers of U.S. citizens seeking asylum in Canada, the UK, Ireland and other European countries.

Add Australia to the list.

New @australia.theguardian.com story with input from @danghez.bsky.social:

www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

At least 29 Americans have sought asylum in Australia since second Trump presidency began

Applications from US citizens make up less than 1% of monthly applications but have risen steadily since Trump’s inauguration

www.theguardian.com

4 5

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Antonella Napolitano @svaroschi.bsky.social · 14d

Without a shift in policy, the dominant trajectory of technology in immigration will continue to be digital surveillance. It doesn't have to be that way.

Very glad to talk about our global research on technology and alternatives to detention on @techpolicypress.bsky.social.

Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 14d

Companies are marketing “alternatives” to immigration detention such as ankle monitors, GPS-enabled watches, and biometric reporting apps. But research by Petra Molnar, Daniel Ghezelbash, Carolina Gottardo, and Antonella Napolitano finds that tech doesn’t dismantle detention—it expands it.

Technology is Turning Immigration Detention into an Invisible Leash | TechPolicy.Press

Rights-based and community-centered alternatives to detention are possible, write Petra Molnar, Daniel Ghezelbash, Carolina Gottardo, and Antonella Napolitano.

www.techpolicy.press

1 19 31

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 14d

'We should not mistake surveillance for freedom.'
New piece by @petramolnar.com, @danghez.bsky.social, Carolina Gottardo and @svaroschi.bsky.social in @techpolicypress.bsky.social
#SecurityTech #HumanRights #BorderSecurity #ImmigrationPolicy #Surveillance
www.techpolicy.press/technology-i...

Technology is Turning Immigration Detention into an Invisible Leash | TechPolicy.Press

Rights-based and community-centered alternatives to detention are possible, write Petra Molnar, Daniel Ghezelbash, Carolina Gottardo, and Antonella Napolitano.

www.techpolicy.press

5 6

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Jane McAdam @profjmcadam.bsky.social · 27d

See our amazing speaker lineup for the 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference - and register now! conference.unsw.edu.au/en/2025-kald...

Building bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world | 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference

The 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference brings together policymakers, practitioners, scholars, civil society and people with lived experience of displacement — to ask the hard questions, share ideas and bui...

conference.unsw.edu.au

2 3

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Jane McAdam @profjmcadam.bsky.social · 27d

As Pacific leaders meet ⁦‪@ForumSEC‬⁩ this week to discuss the impacts of climate change, the proposed Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the event of Disasters is pertinent to discussions. ⁦Thomas Mulder and I explain why. www.ejiltalk.org/foregroundin...

Foregrounding Displacement in the Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the event of Disasters

This week, the leaders of the Pacific Island States will have their annual meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum to discuss key issues impacting the region. In recent years, leaders have adopted signif...

www.ejiltalk.org

4 4

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Sean Rehaag @seanrehaag.bsky.social · 21d

A busy week...

My @refugeelab.ca released our report about tech and alternatives to immigration detention, co-authored by @danghez.bsky.social & @petramolnar.com, and co-published with @kaldorcentre.bsky.social and @idcoalition.bsky.social:

www.unsw.edu.au/content/dam/...

Cover image for a report entitled "From Surveillance to Empowerment: Advancing the Responsible Use of Technology in Alternatives to Detention" Accessible text via link

1 12 17

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 21d

‘The choice is stark: ‘Digital tools can either entrench surveillance and control, or they can empower people-on-the-move and promote dignity and freedom. Our principles provide a roadmap for governments to choose the latter.’
– @danghez.bsky.social
Read: www.unsw.edu.au/content/dam/...

2

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Antonella Napolitano @svaroschi.bsky.social · 29d

Looking forward to the launch of this report next 16 September in Geneva and online!

For the past year, I have been working with the @idcoalition.bsky.social to research the use of technology in alternative to detention and immigration detention, in partnership with the @kaldorcentre.bsky.social

International Detention Coalition @idcoalition.bsky.social · Sep 5

🌍 New report: From Surveillance to Empowerment

Are digital technologies like GPS monitors really alternatives to detention? 🤔

📅 16 Sept | ⏱️ 18:30–19:30 CEST
📍 Geneva Graduate Institute / Online

✍️ Registration required (in-person & online).
🔗 Link: events.humanitix.com/from-surveil...

2 4

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Frowin Rausis @frowinrausis.bsky.social · 28d

🔔 Do not miss this upcoming event in Geneva on 16 September.

Brilliant scholars -
@danghez.bsky.social, @petramolnar.com, and @idcoalition.bsky.social - launch a new report, discussing whether technology are alternatives or extensions of detention.

In person and online participation. More info 👇️

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 5

Are digital tools like GPS ankle monitors & tracking apps really “alternatives” to detention?
🚨 New report from us, Refugee Law Lab & @idcoalition.bsky.social shows these technologies often expand detention in new forms—harming rights & dignity.
🔗 Register: events.humanitix.com/from-surveil...

From Surveillance to Empowerment: Advancing the Responsible Use of Technology in Alternatives to Detention

Join us to launch a new report report on the responsible use of technology in alternatives to detention.

events.humanitix.com

1 1

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 23d

Friendly reminder to book NOW – earlybird prices end tonight! events.humanitix.com/2025-kaldor-...
📅 23 October 2025 | UNSW Sydney + online
This year’s opening keynote is dynamic global advocate Mohammed Naeem/Refugees International; closing is Hugh de Kretser/Australian Human Rights Commission.

2025 Kaldor Centre Conference

Join us at the 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference, Building bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world.

events.humanitix.com

2 4

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · 29d

How do we foster constructive dialogue in polarised times?

@sukhmanikhorana.bsky.social, a leading scholar on migrant media, empathy & disinformation, will bring her insights to #Kaldor25.
Read more about the moments that sparked her interest in this work: www.unsw.edu.au/news/2025/09...

Kaldor Centre Conference 2025 speaker spotlight: Sukhmani Khorana

Leading scholar speaks on the impact of refugee experiences on our screens, their place in an era of ‘information disorder’ and what the media needs to do for real representation.

www.unsw.edu.au

2

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Eleonora Milazzo @eleonoramilazzo.bsky.social · Sep 4

At the first @mpc-eui.bsky.social of 2025-26 today, @danghez.bsky.social of @kaldorcentre.bsky.social presented an easy-to-follow framework for spotting and countering misinformation about migrants and refugees.

➡️ Available at migrationpolicycentre.eu/events/?id=5...

2 2

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 5

Are digital tools like GPS ankle monitors & tracking apps really “alternatives” to detention?
🚨 New report from us, Refugee Law Lab & @idcoalition.bsky.social shows these technologies often expand detention in new forms—harming rights & dignity.
🔗 Register: events.humanitix.com/from-surveil...

From Surveillance to Empowerment: Advancing the Responsible Use of Technology in Alternatives to Detention

Join us to launch a new report report on the responsible use of technology in alternatives to detention.

events.humanitix.com

3

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 5

We're so excited about the program for #Kaldor25, where you can join global and Australian leaders who are dealing with the formidable challenges facing forcibly displaced people today.
ALSO exciting - early-bird 20% discount has been extended until Monday 15 Sept. Book now: bit.ly/45NRiNx

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 4

On Saturday, our own Sherine al Shallah will be the keynote speaker at LIFE Australia's annual gala dinner, raising funds to help the youth of Lebanon access higher education for a better future.
Excellent speaker, excellent cause–sending our best wishes to all attending for an excellent evening.

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 2

'Actions speak far louder than words, and this government’s actions are telling us all we need to know.'
The @ascsyd.bsky.social's Seek Elijah Buol in @australia.theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

While Labor spins lines about cohesion, its inhumane migration choices betray a disregard for human rights | Elijah Buol

We must fight for the Australia we wish to see – the one that welcomed me, an unaccompanied minor orphaned by war

www.theguardian.com

1 1

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 2

📣Ahead of tonight's Three-Minute Thesis Final @ UNSW, we'd like to congratulate all the finalists–but especially the Kaldor Centre's Mia Bridle, representing UNSW Law & Justice.👏👏👏

Mia brings Law and Applied Mathematics degrees to cutting-edge research into fairness in refugee decision-making. #3MT

1 3

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 2

THIS WEEK: What do the recent Advisory Opinions by the International Court of Justice and IACtHR mean for people on the move in the context of climate change? Find out at this 4 Sept virtual event: bit.ly/4mCTuxj

1

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 2

While condemning the extremists at the weekend marches, politicians are this week expected to pass extreme legislation skirting basic legal rights to send people to Nauru.
Read @profjmcadam.bsky.social on the moral + financial cost of this dissonant, rushed bill
theconversation.com/politicians-...

Politicians have scapegoated immigration for decades. It’s time to flip the script

Anti-immigration rallies across Australia are the culmination of years of political scaremongering. But better immigration messaging could change the trajectory.

theconversation.com

1 2

Reposted by UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

Jane McAdam @profjmcadam.bsky.social · Sep 1

For decades now, public discourse about refugees and immigrants has become increasingly fractured, ugly and untrue. But just as government messaging has partly contributed to this situation, it could also help get us out of it. I explain how: theconversation.com/politicians-...

Politicians have scapegoated immigration for decades. It’s time to flip the script

Anti-immigration rallies across Australia are the culmination of years of political scaremongering. But better immigration messaging could change the trajectory.

theconversation.com

1 8 13

UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law @kaldorcentre.bsky.social · Sep 1

Politicians have scapegoated immigration for decades. It’s time to flip the script, writes @profjmcadam.bsky.social theconversation.com/politicians-...

Politicians have scapegoated immigration for decades. It’s time to flip the script

Anti-immigration rallies across Australia are the culmination of years of political scaremongering. But better immigration messaging could change the trajectory.

theconversation.com

2