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When she was a student learning about migration and globalization in the MSc Global Health program, Sonal Marwah could not have known that one day she would contribute to policy options and debates aimed at confronting the international refugee crisis. 

 

Marwah joined Project Ploughshares – a Canadian NGO focused on peacebuilding and disarmament – as a Program Officer in 2015. Since then, the 2013 graduate has established a new research program area on forced migration and refugees at the organization. She also co-authored a recent report with Me?decins Sans Frontie?res (MSF), Canada on the harsh experiences of people in flight.

 

“It sheds light on Canadian policies and practices toward refugees, and migration management practices of interception and detention, which have grave negative health implications on those seeking safety,” says Marwah of the MSF report, “The Less-Told Migration Story and its Humanitarian Consequences,” which was released in Toronto in October at the inaugural 6 Degrees Conference organized by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. “The report recommends that refugee-receiving countries adopt coherent, humane and dignified responses toward all asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, regardless of their legal status.”  

 

Being part of a small team at Project Ploughshares has allowed Marwah to wear many hats. In addition to researching, writing and participating in conferences, she assists with strategic planning, program development and fundraising. She also plays a  part in developing Ploughshares’ social media platform.

 

She credits the MSc Global Health program’s rich interdisciplinary approach and high-calibre faculty for preparing her for her current career. “The topic of forced displacement was introduced to me during an elective taught by Dr. Sandy Irvine, who I’m currently collaborating with on a research article,” says Marwah, who was previously a Senior Research Assistant with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in New Delhi. “The fact that professors in the program make time for former students speaks volumes about their sincere commitment.”

 

Marwah’s near-term plan is to continue building Project Ploughshares’ knowledge base in forced migration because she believes evidence-based research can lead to policy change.  “A recent forum that I attended in New York adopted the Olympic motto Higher, Faster, Stronger, which aimed to capture the idea that civil society’s efforts are more crucial than ever in a world riddled with wars in which civilians pay the heaviest price,” she says. “This forum reminded me that the ultimate value of our work is to make a positive difference to society. I intend to continue working toward that goal.”