1. 1 NTS Challenges and Policy Responses in South Asia Inaugural Meeting of NTS-Asia, Singapore 7-9 January 2007 C R Abrar Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit

2. 2 Outcome of the NTS Phase completed  RMMRU project specific  8 collaborative studies completed  2 volumes to be published by mid 2007  1 dissemination workshop held this year  Studies, all field based, will hopefully inform policy  Rapport built with the media and also with segments of civil society institutions in the host countries  Network of South Asian scholars on migration

3. 3 Outcome of the NTS Phase completed  Broader Achievements  Engagement of scholars with the project with broader theoretical debates on security of the state and those of citizens and aliens  Enhanced appreciation that states are still captured by domestic interests even when faced with trans-national concerns  Development of an pan-Asian ‘epistemic community’ to anticipate, analyse and provide policy response mechanisms  NTS-Asia: insitutionalising the process of inter-regional networking

4. 4 Remits of the Past Projects  Broad based social issues encompassing pluralism, diversity, ethnicity and gender  Specific cross border issues: terrorism, migration, environment  Community level disputes: natural resources

5. 5 Challenges and Policy Responses: Internal to a State  Sources of Insecurity of Citizens:  Poverty and lack of employment  Political Violence  Extrajudicial Killings  Poor governance and the absence of rule of law  Corruption  Inadequate health care facilities  Environmental Insecurity: riverbank erosion, displacement due to climate change and SLR  Exclusion of minority communities from national decision making process Big Question: Do the above issues merit inclusion in the NTS discourse?

6. 6 Challenges and Policy Responses: Regional and Cross Border  Movement of Labour through Irregular Channel  Migration is increasingly being securitized in post 9/11 situation  Securitization of migration has impacted adversely on human security of all migrants  There is a propensity for labour to move to fill vacuum that exists in a market and restrictions to migrate through formal channels to a large extent contribute to movement through irregular route Specific proposal:  Research and policy advocacy at receiving end in East Asia and the Gulf states  Build networks of academics and civil society institutions of sending and host states.

7. 7 Challenges and Policy Responses: Regional and Cross Border  Diseases and pandemics  Rise in incidence of HIV/AIDS  Reemergence of drug resistant TB, pneumonia and also of malaria and dengue  Rudimentary health care services in Bangladesh and South Asia in general.  The issue has not drawn attention of any security expert as yet Specific Proposal:  A better understanding of these issues by involving stakeholders and serious engagement in policy advocacy

8. 8 Challenges and Policy Responses: Regional and Cross Border  Smuggling and Informal Trade  Contributes to economic insecurity of a state  Undermines incipient local industrialization efforts  Diminishes employment opportunities of people affecting their livelihood options Specific Proposal:  Regional study on extent, magnitude and impact of smuggling and informal trade on states and peoples

9. 9 Challenges and Policy Responses: Regional and Cross Border  Use of Religion in Politics  South Asian problem  Damages the secular fabric of society that is a pre- condition for democracy, peace and progress  Catering to right wing agenda that adversely affects education system, gender relations and indigenous cultural values and practices Specific Proposal:  Collaborative study on the use of religion in politics and erosion of secular politics in South Asia

10. 10 Challenges and Policy Responses: Regional and Cross Border  Exclusion of ethnic minorities and growth of militancy  Unwillingness of nation states to address the grievances of the national minorities  Domination of the majority and the failure to build a pluralist society with equal opportunities to diverse groups  Source of inter-state tension as onus is often shifted on neighbours Specific Proposal:  Develop a group of scholars and activists to examine policies of exclusion of minorities pursued by states and how that has contributed to rise of militancy