Draft analysis of how networks of international, national and local actors collaborate to reduce vulnerabilities on Six Sites in Europe, Canada, and South Africa

Based on fieldwork conducted in selected migration arrival ports in Greece, Italy, Spain, France, South Africa, and Canada, this research report explores the role of the notion of vulnerability in the field level governance of international protection. Specifically, it explores how key actors and stakeholders in the selected field sites 1) understand and apply the notion of vulnerability, and 2) collaborate to address and reduce vulnerabilities. Particular attention is paid to how field level governance takes into account gender and legal status, and how actors collaborate in regard to mechanisms for identification, access to legal information and assistance, and access to healthcare and shelter. The field level is where global, regional, national and local actors and stakeholders interact in order to implement the international protection regime. A great variety of actors and stakeholders are as such engaged in the field level governance of migration and refugee protection, including notably government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, host community members, and migrants. Critically, our research provides opportunities to explore de facto governance responses and how they do or do not reflect formal governance processes - including national legislative frameworks and the global compacts on refugees and migration.