Dr David James Cantor presents new research findings from his project on 'New Dynamics of Forced Migration in Latin America', funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Whereas the dictatorships and wars of previous decades no longer blight the length of Latin America, he argues that the recent and heightened violence of gangs and other organised criminal groups - particularly in Central America and Mexico - is producing new and troubling patterns of forced displacement within the region. In describing these emerging scenarios of displacement in detail for the first time, Dr Cantor asks what forms of humanitarian response would be appropriate in these resource-scarce and intensely violent urban contexts.
Speaker: Dr David James Cantor, Refugee Law Initiative
David James Cantor provides overall strategic direction to the RLI. He conducts research on the practical protection of refugees and other displaced persons, particularly during situations of armed conflict. He has carried out in-depth fieldwork on displacement and armed conflict in Colombia and is a recognised specialist in this field. David has a particular interest in refugee law, human rights law and certain areas of the international law of armed conflict. He previously worked for the Refugee Legal Centre and UNHCR.