Idil Atak

Dr. Idil Atak serves as Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University's Lincoln Alexander School of Law, specializing in migration law, refugee protection, and human rights. Her expertise encompasses irregular migration, securitization of migration policies, and international human rights frameworks, with significant contributions to global migration governance discourse through leadership roles including Director-at-Large for CARFMS and former Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Migration and Border Studies.

Her academic foundation includes:

• LLD (Doctor of Laws) from Université de Montréal
• MA (Social Sciences) from University of Marmara
• BA (Public Administration and International Relations) from University of Bogazici

Atak's research critically examines the intersection of security imperatives and human rights in migration governance, focusing on policy consequences like criminalization, externalization, and sanctuary city dynamics. Her interdisciplinary approach combines legal analysis with political science perspectives to address vulnerabilities of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, particularly in Canadian urban contexts.

Recent publications reveal evolving focus on Global Compact implementation, human trafficking data systems, and sanctuary policy efficacy, demonstrating consistent engagement with contemporary migration challenges through international collaborations. Her work consistently highlights tensions between state security measures and fundamental human rights protections.

Key recognitions include:

• Ontario's Early Researcher Award (2019-2024)
• Université de Montréal's Best International Thesis Award (2012)

She directs multiple SSHRC-funded projects examining migration securitization, sanctuary policies, and trafficking responses, while actively mentoring emerging scholars and shaping refugee studies through CARFMS leadership. Her research teams integrate legal scholars, policymakers, and community organizations to address complex migration challenges through evidence-based approaches.