Forging New Ground: Creative civil society engagement of government to achieve rights-based policy change on immigration detention

This research examines the processes by which civil society has engaged governments to achieve rights-based policy change on immigration detention to inform human rights advocacy practices. Data was gathered from observations of meetings, interviews with policy makers and civil society groups in 16 countries, as well as the researcher’s experience as a participant working in the field. The research found a range of mechanisms that enhanced dialogue between civil society and government to bring about rights-based change in policies regarding immigration detention. Results will inform strategies for engagement between civil society and government on human rights issues.