Institute for Human Security

42°24′28″N 71°07′18″W

The Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security
AbbreviationIHS
Formation2001
TypeAcademic organization
Location
FieldsHuman security
Director
Katrina Burgess
Parent organization
The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
AffiliationsPRAXIS: The Fletcher Journal of Human Security
Websitefletcher.tufts.edu/Human-Security

The Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security (formally the Henry J. Leir Institute for Human Security), [1] founded in 2001, is an interdisciplinary education and research organization within The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, at Tufts University. The Leir Institute's mission is to help policymakers and practitioners develop more equitable and sustainable responses to migration and its root causes by employing a human security approach. Leir's research and education also intersect with humanitarianism, development, human rights, and conflict resolution, and the Institute is recognized as a leading academic institution in its field.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Activities

In pursuit of its mission, Leir’s work has three pillars: 1) connecting experts on migration with experts on drivers of migration, such as conflict, violence, social exclusion, governance failures, and climate change; 2) training policymakers and practitioners to bring a human security lens to migration issues; and, 3) partnering with local NGOs and governments to conduct applied research using innovative human security methodologies. Leir brings together specialists in law, politics, public health, psychology, business, development, and financial health to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and innovate solutions to migration and its root causes. Leir also connects academia with professional practice through education, conferences, and fellowships.

Programs

The Henry J. Leir Institute currently runs five research programs: the Corruption, Justice, and Legitimacy Program; Digital Portfolios of the Poor; Disrupted Mobilities; the Program in Human Security and Inner Development; Refugees in Towns; and The Journeys Project. Past programs include Building Resilience in Immigrant Communities, Building State Legitimacy, Conflict Resolution and Dialogue, the ICRC-Fletcher Joint Lab, Migration Crisis and State Fragility, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Transit Migration in the Americas. [9]

Corruption, Justice, and Legitimacy (CJL)

Corruption, Justice, and Legitimacy (CJL) is a research-to-practice project with the goal of improving anti-corruption programming in places with endemic corruption. CJL works with policymakers, academics, and practitioners to break down the barriers to development caused by corruption. Corruption analysis traditionally focuses on assessing the risk and degree of corruption without evaluating the drivers and enablers of corrupt behavior. CJL’s early work developed and tested an alternate method of corruption analysis in Uganda, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. [10]

Digital Portfolios of the Poor (DPP)

Digital Portfolios of the Poor (DPP) seeks to uncover the gendered differences in how the poor use (or don’t use) digital financial services in order to create gender-transformative digital products. To this end, DPP uses an innovative methodology to collect qualitative voice recording data from respondents in India, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan through Interactive Voice Recording (IVR) calls and analyzes that data using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and speech signal extraction. DPP is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by Decodis, a social research firm founded by Leir Senior Fellow Dr. Daryl Collins, in partnership with the Leir Institute. [11]

Disrupted Mobilities

Disrupted Mobilities is a multimedia project inspired by the Leir-sponsored 2019 documentary, Waylaid in Tijuana, that currently explores: the intersecting effects of blocked asylum, deportation, and restricted cross-border movement in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border; and, how migrants journeying through Central America and Mexico assess risk and process information regarding entry into the United States. The project, led by Leir Director Dr. Katrina Burgess and Leir Senior Fellow Dr. Kim Howe, uses an innovative trauma-informed methodology. [12] [9]

The Journeys Project

The Journeys Project is a cross-regional collection of migrant stories to better understand the costs and strategies involved in their journeys as well as the economic approaches they use when putting down roots in new surroundings. Founded in 2016, Journeys Project researchers have engaged in focused, in-depth field research in the Americas, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. We examine migration from the perspectives of migrants and refugees themselves, charting their experiences from the moment they consider embarking on a journey to the moment they begin to feel settled in their new surroundings. Journeys has previously partnered with MercyCorps, the International Rescue Committee, GIZ, Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, and SOAS. Kim Wilson founded and directs the Journeys Project. [13]

The Program in Human Security and Inner Development Goals (PHUSID)

The Program in Human Security and Inner Development Goals (PHUSID) a skills-building initiative based on the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) to better prepare students to work effectively and sustainably in violent or fragile contexts. The Leir Institute is a designated IDG Hub. PHUSID is based on the Inner Development Goals developed by the Ekskäret Foundation in 2020 as a complement to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Inner Development focuses on improving the self to become an effective and sustainable human security professional. [14]

Refugees In Towns (RIT)

The Refugees in Towns (RIT) project publishes case studies authored by refugees, migrants, and hosts about the challenges and opportunities posed by integration. The project provides a platform for refugees to tell their own stories in their own words, providing an oft-missing local lens. RIT also conducts research in collaboration with practitioners, including the International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, Jesuit Refugee Service, and the Hello Neighbor Network. It also hosts an annual Integration Conference and Arts Festival. Dr. Karen Jacobsen, the Henry J. Leir Professor in Global Migration, founded and directs the RIT project. [15]

History

The Institute for Human Security (IHS) was founded in 2000 as a response to rapid global change following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. General John Galvin, Dean of The Fletcher School from 1995-2000, and Leir Charitable Foundations were two of the Institute’s foundational supporters. IHS was inaugurated to strengthen Fletcher’s impact on eradicating extreme misery, oppression, and violence and involved faculty working at the intersection of humanitarianism, development, human rights, and conflict resolution. IHS was one of the earliest institutions advocating for human security as a field of study and producing academic literature on the subject. [16]

Dr. Peter Uvin, the Henry J. Leir Professor of International Humanitarian Studies at The Fletcher School at the time, was the Institute’s first director. (https://sites.tufts.edu/ihs/history/) Uvin’s research focused on violence, governance, and development in the African Great Lakes region. In 2014, Uvin was succeeded by Dr. Eileen Babbitt, Professor of Practice of International Conflict Management at The Fletcher School.[17] as the Director of the Institute.[18][19][20][21][22][23] Dr. Babbitt is also a Faculty Associate of the Program on Negotiation at the Harvard Law School and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.[24] Before joining Fletcher, Dr. Babbitt was the Director of Education and Training at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C, and the Deputy Director of Harvard's Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution.[24][25] She has worked as a trainer and facilitator for conflict resolution projects in the Balkans and the Middle East.[26] [27]

In 2014, the Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded the Leir Institute a $1 million grant to connect academics and policymakers and help professors influence policy, as part of the Corporation's “Rigor and Relevance Initiative.”[28][29][30] Leir was awarded funds to develop novel, feasible ways to bridge the gap between academics and policymakers working on the same complex foreign policy issues.[31][29] Leir dedicated grant resources to developing and communicating strategies to enhance the legitimacy of fragile states across political, economic, justice and security sectors.[28] One of the projects undertaken with the support of the Carnegie grant was the Corruption, Justice, and Legitimacy project, which advances systems approaches to corruption analysis in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.[30][32]

In 2015 the Henry J. Leir Human Security Award was established. [33][34] The inaugural award was given to Maria J. Stephan for scholarship in civil Resistance and nonviolent conflict.[33][35] In 2017 the Institute was renamed the Henry J. Leir Institute for Human Security, and in 2020 Dr. Katrina Burgess, Associate Professor of Political Economy, succeeded Dr. Babbitt as Director of the Leir Institute. In 2021, Leir underwent a strategic positioning process and rebranded as the Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security. Leir’s new focus is the intersection of migration and human security and the Institute now seeks to generate innovative research to address migration and its root causes.[1]

Partnerships and collaboration

The Leir Institute leverages the multi-disciplinary expertise at Fletcher and at Tufts through partnerships with the International Security Studies Program, the World Peace Foundation, and the Institute for Business in the Global Context. Leir also partners with the Feinstein International Center at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. (https://sites.tufts.edu/ihs/about/) [29]

In the past, Leir closely collaborated with the Center for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) at The Fletcher School. CHRCR was later renamed the Program for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (PHRCR) and finally merged with the Leir Institute.[2] [36][37]

Publications

The Leir Institute and affiliated faculty and students contribute significantly to scholarship on migration and human security approaches. Leir has three main channels of publication: Research Publications, the Leir Migration Monitor, and the Praxis Journal.

Research Publications

Leir publishes findings from its many research projects, including the Corruption, Justice, and Legitimacy Program; Digital Portfolios of the Poor; the Program in Human Security and Inner Development; Refugees in Towns; and The Journeys Project. Recent publications include:[38]

  • The Intersectional Nature of Social Norms: So Much More to Learn, Diana Chigas, Co-Director, CJL and Cheyanne Scharbatke-Church, Co-Director, CJL [39]
  • Senior Fellow Spotlight: Samer Saliba [40]
  • Financial Biographies of Migrans in Colombia, Marisol Hernandez, Heather Odell, Shane Sullivan, and Rosemary Ventura under the supervision of Kim Wilson [41]
  • Financial Archetypes and How to Use Them, Marisol Hernandez, Heather Odell, Shane Sullivan, and Rosemary Ventura under the supervision of Kim Wilson [42]
  • Race and Refugees: How Refugees Learn About Race in America, Yumeka Kawahara, Lucy Mastellar, Sarah Rose Morehouse, Charlie Williams, Dr. Karen Jacobsen [43]

Leir Migration Monitor

Launched in 2022 as part of the Institute’s rebrand, the Leir Migration Monitor is a monthly newsletter featuring analysis and research from Leir’s people and programs. [44]

PRAXIS Journal

PRAXIS: The Fletcher Journal of Human Security, was founded in 1981 as the Fletcher School Journal of Development Studies. In 2007, the journal was renamed the Fletcher Journal of Human Security. Praxis is a student-run journal published annually in coordination with the Leir Institute. The journal publishes student work at the intersection of humanitarianism, development, human rights, and conflict resolution.[45][46][47][48][49][50]

References
  1. Ferguson, Laura (September 21, 2017). "A Focus on Humanitarian Efforts - Tufts officially names the Henry J. Leir Institute for Human Security". Tufts Now. Medford, MA, USA. Archived from the original on September 21, 2017. Retrieved September 23, 2017.
  2. "Human Security: Annotated Bibliography". George Mason University. Archived from the original on April 7, 2015. Retrieved Apr 7, 2015.
  3. "Institute for Human Security, The Fletcher School". Zurich, Switzerland: International Relations and Security Network. Archived from the original on April 7, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  4. Von Tigerstrom, Barbara (2007). Human security and international law: prospects and problems. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 978-1841136103.
  5. Edwards, Alice; Ferstman, Carla, eds. (2010). Human security and non-citizens: law, policy and international affairs. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521734943.
  6. McRae, D.M.; de Mestral, A.L.C., eds. (2008). The Canadian Yearbook of International Law, Volume 46; Volume 2008. UBC Press.
  7. Günter Brauch, Hans; Oswald Spring, Úrsula; Mesjasz, Czeslaw; Grin, John; Dunay, Pál; Chadha Behera, Navnita; Chourou, Béchir; Kameri-Mbote, Patricia; Liotta, P. H., eds. (2008). Globalization and environmental challenges: reconceptualizing security in the 21st century. Vol. 3. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-3-540-75976-8. LCCN 2007937518.
  8. Ogata, Sadako; Cels, Johan (July 2003). "Human security-protecting and empowering the people". Global Governance. 9 (3): 273–282.
  9. "Programs – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  10. "The Corruption, Justice and Legitimacy Program – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  11. "Digital Portfolios of the Poor".
  12. "Home". Waylaid in Tijuana.
  13. http://sites.tufts.edu/journeysproject/
  14. "Program in Human Security and Inner Development (PHUSID) – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  15. "Refugees in Towns". Refugees in Towns.
  16. "History – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  17. Walsh, Joe (October 26, 2016). "Fletcher School hosts Ideas Exchange bridging policy, academic research". The Tufts Daily. Medford, MA, USA. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  18. "Eileen F. Babbitt - Professor of Practice of International Conflict Management". Medford, MA: The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. 2014. Archived from the original on November 23, 2014. Retrieved Apr 13, 2015.
  19. "History (updated in 2015)". Medford, MA: The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. 2015. Archived from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved Sep 14, 2015.
  20. Carroll, Jill (March 5, 2008). "Inside Islam, a woman's roar". The Christian Science Monitor. p. 13.
  21. Clements, Kevin P.; Urbain, Olivier, eds. (2013). Risk and Uncertainty: Understanding and Dialogue in the 21st Century. Transaction Publishers. p. 193. ISBN 9781412847254.
  22. Knowlton, Brian (March 15, 2000). "Rubin's Last Mission Is Rare One". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 13, 2015. Retrieved Apr 13, 2015.
  23. Yemma, John (December 25, 1994). "A two-stage diplomacy takes shape". The Boston Globe. p. A1.
  24. "Eileen Babbitt". Harvard University. 2014. Archived from the original on July 22, 2014. Retrieved Apr 13, 2015.
  25. Rezendes, Michael (December 25, 1994). "Jimmy Carter, Superstar The ex-president excels at mediation -- or is it really self-promotion?". The Boston Globe. p. A17.
  26. "Sources & Sidebars for Monday, April 26: NATO Attack on Kosovo". PR Newswire. April 26, 1999.
  27. https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/eileen-babbitt
  28. Emma, Caitlin (Sep 23, 2014). "Carnegie awards grants to help professors influence policy". Politico. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved Apr 7, 2015.
  29. "Fletcher Faculty Bridging The Gap: Carnegie Corporation Awards $1 Million to The Fletcher School for Research and Outreach on State Legitimacy". Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  30. Scharbatke-Church, Cheyanne (November 29, 2016). "What Dynamics Drive Police and Judicial Officers to Engage in Corruption". Cambridge, MA, USA: CDA Collaborative Learning Projects. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  31. "Bill Richardson, A70, F71, Is Among Three New Fletcher Faculty". US Official News (Newswire). March 26, 2015.
  32. "Why judiciary must be free from corruption - Important to note is that corruption has glaring spillovers on the entire justice chain". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Mar 15, 2017. Archived from the original on March 15, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  33. "Institute for Human Security Celebrates the Henry J. Leir Professorship in International Humanitarian Studies and the Inaugural Henry J. Leir Human Security Award". Medford, MA, USA: The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. 2015. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  34. Associated Press (October 25, 2015). "Vermont native wins prestigious Fletcher School award". Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  35. "Maria J. Stephan (MALD '02, PhD '05) Receives Inaugural Henry J. Leir Human Security Award for Groundbreaking Scholarship in Civil Resistance and Nonviolent Conflict". Medford, MA, USA: The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. September 22, 2015. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  36. "Center for Human Rights & Conflict Resolution". The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Archived from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  37. "Program for Human Rights & Conflict Resolution". The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Archived from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  38. "Research Publications – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  39. "The intersectional nature of social norms: so much more to learn – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  40. "Senior Fellow Spotlight: Samer Saliba – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  41. "Financial Biographies of Migrants in Colombia – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  42. "Financial Archetypes and How to Use Them – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  43. "Race and Refugees: How Refugees Learn About Race in America – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  44. "Leir Migration Monitor – November/December 2022 – Henry J. Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security".
  45. "Understanding human security - Human security institutions". Chicago: World Engagement Institute. Archived from the original on February 6, 2014. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  46. Getaneh Gobezie (20–23 September 2011). "Expert Group Meeting - Enabling rural women's economic empowerment: institutions, opportunities and participation" (PDF). Empowerment of Women and Gender Mainstreaming in Rural Microfinance (EGM/RW/2011/RP.2 ed.). Accra, Ghana: United Nations Women in cooperation with FAO, IFAD and WFP. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  47. "PRAXIS: The Fletcher Journal of Human Security". New York: Policy Innovations, Carnegie Council. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  48. "Asia-Pacific Programme of Education for All (APPEAL) - General Documents on the Human Rights-Based Approach". UNESCO Bangkok. Retrieved Jan 30, 2014.
  49. Hogle, Casey; Pawlowski, Kamil, eds. (2013). "Preface" (PDF). PRAXIS the Fletcher Journal of Human Security. XXVIII: 1. Retrieved Jan 30, 2014.
  50. Arifeen, Mansoor; Konishi, Motoo, eds. (April 1981). "Africa in Transition". PRAXIS: Perspectives on Development and Change. 1 (1).
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