Published: 12:00 AM, 10 April 2026
'Global refugee protection system faces rising pressure'
The Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) organized a symposium titled "International Refugee Law or the South Asian Tradition of Asylum: A Comparative Analysis" on Wednesday at the BILIA Auditorium in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The event brought together distinguished diplomats, academics, researchers, civil society representatives, and university students to discuss the evolving challenges and moral foundations of refugee protection in the contemporary world.
The symposium featured Dr. Simon Behrman, Reader in Law at the University of Warwick, as the keynote speaker. A recognized authority on asylum and refugee law, Dr. Behrman addressed the complexities of the global refugee protection regime and highlighted emerging challenges posed by climate-induced displacement.
Dr. Behrman provided a comprehensive analysis of international refugee law and examined how South Asia's longstanding traditions of asylum and hospitality have historically shaped responses to displaced populations. He also reflected on the legal, political, and humanitarian challenges currently confronting refugee governance in the region Welcoming the participants, Ambassador M. Maroof Zaman, Director of BILIA., emphasized the necessity of examining refugee protection through both legal and moral lenses.
Also present at the seminar were Ambassador Abdullah Al Hasan, Vice Chairman of BILIA; Ambassador M. Zameer and Ambassador Majeda Rafique Nessa. Distinguished members of various civil society organizations from across the country also participated in the event.
