Migration Policy Institute

This review paper examines how bail and pretrial detention are applied in the United States and Canada, with attention to fairness, equality before the law, and the protection of individual rights. Bail decisions determine whether a person accused of a crime is released or held in custody while waiting for trial, even though they are legally presumed innocent. In the United States, the bail system relies solely on cash bail, meaning that many people remain in jail simply because they cannot afford to pay for their release. However, research shows that this approach affects low-income individuals and underrepresented groups, leading to unnecessary detention, loss of employment, family disruption, and a higher likelihood of conviction before trial. In contrast, Canada’s bail system is based on constitutional principles that emphasize the right to reasonable bail and the presumption of release. Canadian law requires that detention be justified by clear legal reasons, such as ensuring court attendance, protecting public safety, or maintaining public confidence in the justice system. Monetary bail plays a limited role, and courts are encouraged to use the least restrictive conditions possible. By comparing these two approaches, this paper highlights how legal frameworks shape real-world results in pretrial justice and discusses lessons that can inform ongoing reforms aimed at improving fairness and reducing unnecessary detention.

OP 31: Refugees and Asylum Seekers 6, B207 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 09:00 - 10:00AimsCountry of Origin Information reports (COI) play a crucial role in supporting the recognition of asylum. This study analyzes the MedCOI reports requested to the Arci COI Service between March 2022 and March 2024 to assess their role in supporting migrants’ right to health and asylum.MethodsWe adopted a mixed-method approach:QuantitativeSimple statistical analysis of MedCOI reports, categorizing them based on countries of origin and medical conditions following the ICD-11 classification;QualitativeThematic Analysis of the MedCOI requests and semi-structured interviews with 10 COI service users to explore their experiences and perceptions of the service’s impact.Results32 MedCOI reports were produced, covering 18 countries-primarily Tunisia (15.6%), Bangladesh (12.5%), and Nigeria (9.4%). The most investigated health conditions fell into 12 ICD-11 macro categories, mainly: factors influencing health status or contact with health services (100.0%), mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders (23.7%), diseases of the nervous system (21.1%), of the musculoskeletal system (18.4%), and infectious diseases (13.2%). By March 2024, these reports had been accessed 61,845 times and were used in legal and reception settings (i.e. asylum requests and reception staff training). They supported risk prognosis assessments by integrating medical evaluations of current health conditions with predictions of their deterioration in the absence of appropriate care in the country of origin.ConclusionsThe COI service conducts interdisciplinary health condition analyses, considering not only the availability and accessibility of treatments but also intersectional factors of discrimination. It follows an integrated approach, linking clinical and public health knowledge with legal information to uphold the right to migration and health. The rise in requests reflects the increasingly restrictive migration policies in Italy, which directly and indirectly impact migrants’ health. The increase in mental health-related requests suggests a possible impact of institutional racism on migrants’ mental health.

Abstract India has a unique dual system where UNHCR is allowed by the Indian government to conduct Refugee Status Determinations for asylum seekers from non-neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, while the government directly manages refugees from neighbouring countries. However, India has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, nor formulated domestic asylum laws. While the country has made significant progress in the legal protection of LGBTIQ+ people, the benefit thereof does not extend to those with these intersectional vulnerabilities, such as queer refugees. The deteriorating political environment for refugees in the region and the denial of legal status to remain mean that those who fled their countries to avoid persecution for their identity are unable to articulate their SOGIESC even as exiles. Our article draws upon our experiences of providing legal representation to LGBTIQ+ refugees in India through the UNHCR process, and analyses the protection gaps LGBTIQ+ refugees experience in India.

Purpose. This study examines the role of digital fashion in promoting more sustainable consumption in the fashion industry, focusing on Generation Z’s perceptions in Croatia. Methodology. A quantitative online survey was conducted between June 28 and August 20, 2024, collecting 83 responses from Generation Z consumers, a key market segment. Results and conclusions. The findings indicate that sustainability in fashion is valued by this group, influenced by environmental awareness, digital engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Digital fashion is identified as a driver of more sustainable purchasing behaviors by reshaping perceptions of value and the necessity of physical products. Original contribution. This research contributes to the discussion on integrating sustainability into digital fashion, offering valuable insights for brands and academics seeking to develop sustainable strategies and align with Generation Z’s expectations.

Migrant associations play a crucial role in enhancing migrant agency and advancing social justice by fostering social, economic, and political empowerment. This article develops a conceptual framework that integrates theories of migrant agency, social justice and migration, examining how migrants navigate structural constraints while actively shaping their own mobility and integration experiences. Drawing on existing literature and the author’s Doctoral dissertation, it also presents a state-of-the-art review of migrant associations, highlighting their functions, challenges, and impact. The study explores the multifaceted role of migrant associations in empowering migrants across different domains. Social and cultural empowerment is achieved through the preservation of cultural identity, language programs, and social integration initiatives. Economic empowerment and labor rights advocacy focus on skill development, employment support, and advocacy for fair wages and working conditions. Legal and political empowerment is facilitated through legal aid, advocacy for migrant rights, and political mobilization to influence policies affecting migrant communities. Migrant associations further contribute to social capital and community building by strengthening networks, fostering solidarity, and bridging ties between migrant groups and host societies. Additionally, these organizations play a vital role in crisis response, providing emergency relief. The findings underscore the importance of legal recognition of human and labour rights, as well as policy frameworks that support and collaborate with migrant-led organizations to ensure inclusive and just societies. Ultimately, this article argues that migrant associations are not only essential for migrant agency but also key actors in the broader struggle for social justice.

Abstract BackgroundCOVID-19 produced a detrimental effect on mental health that could not be appropriately addressed due to a reduced accessibility of healthcare services, as patients with socioeconomic vulnerabilities faced the largest barriers in accessing healthcare during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate emergency department (ED) accesses with a psychiatric diagnosis before and after COVID-19, with a specific focus on the role of socioeconomic factors.MethodsPopulation-based longitudinal open cohort of residents and NHS beneficiaries aged ≥ 10, was enrolled in three large Italian areas from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 (n=5,159,363). The primary outcome of interest was the first access to an ED (FMHEA); sex, age, deprivation level, citizenship and groups of diagnosis were considered as covariates. Crude incidence rates were calculated comparing the two time periods (pre- and post-COVID-19) by each covariate. In the context of interrupted time series (ITS), incidence rate ratios (IRR) of FMHEAs with 95%CI were estimated via an ITS analysis using a step-change negative binomial model. Temporal trend of FMHEAs was investigated through an ITS analysis on their monthly numbers.ResultsDuring follow-up, 56,762 FMHEAs were observed. The multivariate analysis showed that before COVID-19, the rate of FMHEA was higher among the highly deprived (IRR: 1.28; 95%CI:1.22.-1.35 for highest vs lowest deprivation level), females, people aged ≤24 and ≥85 and immigrants. A significant interaction between the COVID-19 period and deprivation level was found: the probability of reduced FMHEA increased with the deprivation level. The greater impact of COVID-19 was found in the central age classes resulting in a reduction in the differences in FMHEA rates by age in the post-Covid-19 period.ConclusionCOVID-19 reduced incidence rates of ED accesses, but increased socioeconomic inequalities in the use of ED for mental health disorders.

Abstract BACKGROUND Disparities in avoidable mortality have never been evaluated in Italy at the national level. The present study aimed to assess the association between socioeconomic status, measured by individual education level, and avoidable mortality. METHODS The nationwide closed cohort of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing was followed up for 2012-2019 mortality. Outcomes of preventable and of treatable mortality were separately evaluated among people aged 30-74. Education level (elementary school or less, middle school, high school diploma, university degree or more) and residence macro area (North-West, North-East, Center, South-Islands) were the exposures, for which adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were calculated through multivariate quasi-Poisson regression models, adjusted for age at death. Relative index of inequalities was estimated for preventable, treatable, and non-avoidable mortality and for some specific causes. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 35,708,459 residents (48.8% men, 17.5% aged 65-74), 34% with a high school diploma, 33.5% living in the South-Islands; 1,127,760 deaths were observed, of which 65.2% for avoidable causes (40.4% preventable and 24.9% treatable). Inverse trends between education level and mortality were observed for all causes; comparing the least with the most educated groups, a strong association was observed for preventable (males MRR=2.39; females MRR=1.65) and for treatable causes of death (males MRR=1.93; females MRR=1.45). The greatest inequalities were observed for HIV/AIDS and alcohol-related diseases (both sexes), drug-related diseases and tuberculosis (males), and diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and renal failure (females). Excess risk of preventable and of treatable mortality were observed for the South-Islands. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality persist in Italy, with an extremely varied response to policies at the regional level, representing a possible missed gain in health and suggesting a reassessment of priorities and definition of health targets.