NEWS RELEASE
Ottawa, 14 November 2025
The World Refugee & Migration Council (WRMC) announces the retirement of the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy as Chair, marking the conclusion of his distinguished leadership since the Council’s establishment in 2017.
Under Dr. Axworthy’s stewardship, the Council has become an influential global advocate for protection, inclusion, and accountability in responding to refugee and migration challenges. During Dr. Axworthy’s tenure, the WRMC produced several landmark reports, including A Call to Action: Transforming the Global Refugee System, which was presented to the United Nations Secretary-General and widely recognized for its policy impact, and A Renewed Call to Action, which, among other recommendations, advanced global dialogue and action on the confiscation of frozen assets to assist forcibly displaced people.
The Council also made significant contributions to regional policy development through its North and Central American Task Force on Migration, whose recommendations helped inform the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, which was issued by the White House and endorsed at the Ninth Summit of the Americas on June 10, 2022.
Under Dr. Axworthy’s guidance, the WRMC championed the establishment of refugee women-led action networks and prioritized the empowerment of displaced women as agents of change. Through its Task Force Against Global Corruption—one of the principal drivers of forced displacement—the Council has promoted legislative innovations in Canada and internationally, notably through advocacy for an International Anti-Corruption Court.
In recognizing Dr. Axworthy’s extraordinary service, the Council extends its deep gratitude for his vision, dedication, and global leadership in advancing humane and effective solutions for refugees and migrants. His contributions have left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the Council’s mission and impact in the years ahead.
Further details regarding the transition and future leadership of the Council will be announced shortly.
For additional information and interview requests, contact: Jeff Stoub, Director of Public Affairs, jeff.stoub@wrmcouncil.org, +1-514-466-5333
Photo: UN Photo/Mark Garten
