A current awareness blog produced on behalf of the MA Refugee Studies course at the University of East London (UEL). Please feel free to use this site and we welcome any comments or feedback that you may have.
'Human catastrophe' grips Congo (BBC News) - [text online] Liberia ex-leader's son convicted (BBC News) - [text online] Muslim artist gets death threats (BBC News) - [text online] Drunk and in retreat, troops unleash wave of death on their own people (The Times) - [text online] CIA officers could face trial in Britain over torture allegations (The Independent) - [text online] Robert Fisk: Scandal of six held in Guantanamo even after Bush plot claim is dropped (The Independent) - [text online] Congo conflict shows flaws in UN force (The Independent) - [text online] Congo rebels warn of city occupation (The Independent) - [text online]
Iraqi Refugees: Plan for ongoing support in an unstable region (Refugees International) - [text online]. Also available as a PDF file - [full text].
DR Congo: Catastrophe looming unless UN troops receive reinforcements (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Liberia: More gender-based violence cases reported (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Chad: Armed attacks blocking aid in the east, over 470,000 refugees and IDPs might be affected (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Burundi Weekly Humanitarian News, 13 - 19 Oct 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Timor-Leste: Humanitarian update 11 - 24 Oct 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Flood ordeal for Palestinians stuck on Iraq-Syria border (UNHCR) - [text online]
An Iraqi Armenian teen shows the way to a new life (UNHCR) - [text online] Zimbabwe: Victims of violence can no longer wait for political solution (Amnesty International) - [text online] DRC: Catastrophe looming unless UN troops receive reinforcements (Amnesty International) - [text online] Roll-out of new rules for foreign students (Home Office Press Release) - [text online] Bangladesh: Poetry as a Bridge to Understanding (Refugees International) - [text online] EU: Integration Policies Should Respect Rights (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] DR Congo: International Leaders Should Act Now to Protect Civilians (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] US: First Verdict for Overseas Torture (Human Rights Watch) - [text online]
DR of Congo: Confusion Reigns in Goma (Reuters AlertNet) - [text online] Floods hit Palestinian refugees stuck in Iraq-Syria border camps – UN (UN News) - [text online] Darfur: UN-African Union mission deplores killing of peacekeeper (UN News) - [text online] UN advocate George Clooney calls for greater efforts to end DR Congo conflict (UN News) - [text online] Ceasefire in eastern DR Congo holding as UN missions stretched to limit (UN News) - [text online] DRC: Many aid agencies quit Goma (IRIN News) - [text online] DRC: Government troops "on the rampage" (IRIN News) - [text online] CAMBODIA: Concern over UN human rights role (IRIN News) - [text online]
Please find below a list of updated and new publications on refugee studies and related topics.These have been accumulated from a range of online sources and links to the relevant full-text document are given where appropriate.This list will be made available on a regular basis via our Refugee Studies blog (http://refugee-archives.blogspot.com), as new resources become available.
Additional Info:The Report of the Human Rights Council on its 6th-9th sessions and 5th-7th special sessions (2007-2008) has been issued (A/63/53 + Add.1). The report covers the activities of the Council for its sessions and includes the text of all resolutions adopted by the Council.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Title:International Migration and Human Rights: Challenges and Opportunities on the Threshold of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Additional Info:The Global Migration Group has issued a report on International Migration and Human Rights: Challenges and Opportunities on the Threshold of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (full-text, pdf). The report considers the human rights framework governing migration, arguing that migrants are not simply agents for development but human beings with rights. Read more about the Global Migration Group from their website.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Title:People on the Move: Handbook of Selected terms and Conecpts.
Additional Info:The Hague Process on Refugees and Migration (THP Foundation) in cooperation with UNESCO has released a new publication People on the Move : Handbook of Selected Terms and Concept. This publication takes stock of the present use of some selected terms and concepts and is designed to be accessible to a general public which may not be familiar with the detailed discussions in the field of refugee and migration policy. Download the handbook from the website (full text, pdf).
Please find below a list of new and journal and newsletter releases relating to refugee studies and related topics.These have been accumulated from a range of online sources and links to the relevant full-text document are given where appropriate.Alternatively, a link will be given to the associated Table of Contents, (ToC).This list will be made available on a regular basis via our Refugee Studies blog (http://refugee-archives.blogspot.com), as new resources become available.
Volume:Number 78.
Date: October / November 2008.
Publication URL Address:http://www.asylumaid.org.uk/publications.php?category=5&search=Search
Source: Forced Migration Current Awareness Blog - http://fm-cab.blogspot.com/(Web)
Just a very quick reminder to say that the Refugee Archives at UEL will be open this coming Saturday, the 1 November, between 10am and 5pm. The current list of Saturday openings for Semester A are as follows:
UN urges end to DR Congo conflict (BBC News) - [text online] Tech giants in human rights deal (BBC News) - [text online] Georgia denies 'war crimes' claim (BBC News) - [text online] UN peacekeepers braced for full-scale war in central Africa (The Times) - [text online]
Congo: the new exodus (The Independent) - [text online]
India: Floods displace 70,000 in northeastern area (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Chad: Armed attacks blocking aid in the east, over 470,000 refugees and displaced might be affected (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Pakistan: 20,000 displaced by earthquake, WHO warns of health risks (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
DR Congo: Aid agencies forced to cease operations due to intense fighting (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Zambia closes border to DR Congo refugees (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Sudan: UN peacekeeping medals awarded to UN-AU forces in North Darfur (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : The Humanitarian Monitor Occupied Palestinian Territory No. 29, Sep 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [full report] and [tables of indicators].
ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Humanitarian action in Southern Sudan weekly bulletin, week 42, 19-25 Oct 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Situation report: Drought/Food Crisis in Ethiopia - 28 Oct 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Officers discover would-be illegal immigrants hiding in a Bentley (The Guardian) - [text online]
Donkey ambulance brings dignity and comfort to Darfur camp (UNHCR) - [text online]
Up to 45,000 Congolese flee IDP camp and flow into Goma (UNHCR) - [text online]
Displaced in Pakistan, between a rock and a hard place (UNHCR) - [text online]
Internet Rights Protection Initiative Launches (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] Americas: Women’s Rights Defenders Seek Protection (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] Zimbabwe: End Crackdown on Peaceful Demonstrators (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] Iran: Attacks Escalate Against Women’s Rights Activists (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] President’s Corner: Candidates Offer Sharply Different Visions for the UN (Refugees International) - [text online]
The Difficulties of US Asylum Claims Based on Sexual Orientation (Migration Information Source) - [text online]
Sudan: Humanitarian Access in Darfur (Reuters AlertNet) - [text online]
Aid workers have lost their sanctity in Afghanistan (Reuters AlertNet) - [text online] CHAD: Armed attacks blocking aid in the east (IRIN News) - [text online] Women vital to peace in post-conflict zones, Security Council hears (UN News) - [text online] ZAMBIA: Border closed to DRC refugees (IRIN News) - [text online] Ban highlights benefits of global migration in address to Philippine forum (UN News) - [text online] DRC: Eric - “There’s real panic in town” (IRIN News) - [text online] YEMEN: New body aims to boost humanitarian work (IRIN News) - [text online] KENYA: Aid workers under siege (IRIN News) - [text online] SOMALIA: Fleeing from the frying pan into the fire (IRIN News) - [text online] Progress in Darfur undermined by ongoing conflict, UN peacekeeping chief says (UN News) - [text online]
Free at last: female slave who dared to take Niger to court (The Times) - [text online] Extremists to be barred from UK (BBC News) - [text online] Zimbabwe talks fail to reach deal (BBC News) - [text online] Somali woman executed by stoning (BBC News) - [text online] Immigration removal plan revealed (BBC News) - [text online] Refugees escape Tutsi rebels in Congo (The Independent) - [text online] Historic verdict as Niger is convicted of failing to protect woman sold into slavery (The Independent) - [text online] Plan to name and shame barred 'hate preachers' (The Independent) - [text online]
Fears for safety and welfare of Afghans displaced by worsening conflict (IDMC) - [press release] and [full report]. ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Colombia: OCHA Humanitarian Situation Report No. 33, 27 Sep ? 17 Oct 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Pakistan: 15% of children in Bajaur IDP camps suffer from malnutrition (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
DR Congo: Renewed fighting makes aid delivery increasingly difficult in the east (ReliefWeb) - [text online] A higher authority (The Guardian) - [text online] Teachers TV: Brit Camp - Am I British? (The Guardian) - [text and video online]
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Goma braces for arrival of up to 30,000 displaced (UNHCR) - [text online]
Yemen: Over 10,000 displaced by floods (UNHCR) - [text online]
UNHCR and UK work to improve refugee status determination (UNHCR) - [text online] Tough new measures to exclude stirrers of hate (Home Office Press Release) - [text online] DR Congo: Latest Fighting Leaves Civilians in Peril (Refugees International) - [text online] UK: Terror Suspect Should Not Be Deported to Jordan (Human Rights Watch) - [text online]
DR Congo: Latest Fighting Leaves Civilians in Peril (Reuters AlertNet) - [text online] SOMALIA: Sophie: "I have to continue for the children’s sake" (IRIN News) - [text online] Secretary-General welcomes latest effort to resolve Zimbabwean impasse (UN News) - [text online] GLOBAL: NGOs pare down in face of financial crisis (IRIN News) - [text online] Ban voices alarm at worsening conflict in volatile east of DR Congo (UN News) - [text online] KENYA: Susan Muthoni: "Now I am up and about, fighting to live yet another day" (IRIN News) - [text online] Blog: Forced to Flee (IRIN News) - [text online] SUDAN: Rising animosity in central state could fuel conflict (IRIN News) - [text online] New UN human rights chief in Colombia as indigenous flee violence (UN News) - [text online] PHILIPPINES: Countries warned against restrictions on migration amid financial crisis (IRIN News) - [text online] First batch of UN-trained Chadian forces to be deployed to east of country (UN News) - [text online] SUDAN: More young southerners returning home - report (IRIN News) - [text online]. Full IOM report also available to download - [here].
Angelina Jolie appeals for more Afghan returnee support after visit (UNHCR) - [text online]
UNHCR backs new Irish campaign against people smuggling (UNHCR) - [text online]
Q&A: Refugees have a friend in Argentina's top diplomat (UNHCR) - [text online]
Angelina Jolie ends Afghan visit with call for more returnee support (UNHCR) - [text online]
Asylum tribunal apologises for questioning academic's evidence (The Guardian) - [text online]
A political recovery plan: Talking tough on immigration signals a revival of Brown's Britishness scam (The Guardian) - [text online] The numbers game (The Guardian) - [text online] Tougher rules aimed at curbing population rise (The Guardian) - [text online] Spirit of Nelson does not extend to allowing Zimbabweans to work (Refugee Council) - [text online] Somalia: Seeking refuge in Djibouti (Refugees International) - [text online] Sudan: New Darfur Attacks Show Civilians Still at Risk (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] The slave trade is alive and well in Britain (The Guardian Blog) - [text online] Top UN envoy to Somalia welcomes peace deal between warring parties (UN News) - [text online] IRAQ: Christian displacement slows in Ninevah (IRIN News) - [text online] Torture persists as standard practice in many countries, says UN expert (UN News) - [text online] Factors triggering Kenya’s post-election violence must be tackled – UN (UN News) - [text online] Violence against women remains endemic, UN expert reports (UN News) - [text online] UN Ambassador Angelina Jolie urges greater support for Afghan returnees (UN News) - [text online]
Revamped website tells UN story in 130 languages (UN News) - [text online] Central African Republic: UN team begins study on improving coordination (UN News) - [text online] Estonia working hard to reduce child exploitation, UN human rights expert finds (UN News) - [text online] UGANDA: Displaced first by war, now by elephants (IRIN News) - [text online] New report urges States to protect the human rights of migrants, says UN agency (UN News) - [text online]
Djibouti says Eritrea risking war (BBC News) - [text online] PM 'undermined' Turkey secularism (BBC News) - [text online] Kashmir shutdown to mark UN day (BBC News) - [text online]
DPR Korea: Northeastern region faces "humanitarian emergency", urgent food aid needed - WFP (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Somalia: Over 35,000 driven from Mogadish last month (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Philippines: 'The immediate task now is to prevent escalation of fighting' (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Zimbabwe: Food shortages declared national disaster (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Humanitarian action in Chad: Facts and figures snapshot report, 23 Oct 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online] Immigration minister defends pledge to cap UK population at under 70 million (The Guardian) - [text online] Zycie na farmie (The Guardian) - [text online] Immigration minister pulled from Question Time (The Guardian) - [text online]
Asylum Update - 23 October 2008 (ICAR) - [text online] SRI LANKA: Food convoys to continue despite rains - UN (IRIN News) - [text online] Full democracy in Myanmar will take generations to achieve – UN expert (UN News) - [text online] Bangladeshi officers enhance UN troops’ logistical support in Darfur (UN News) - [text online] Senior UN official spotlights special protection needs of child refugees (UN News) - [text online] Over 35,000 people driven from Somali capital last month, UN reports (UN News) - [text online] Religious minorities continue to suffer in many countries, UN expert says (UN News) - [text online] UN assisting Iraqi Christians seeking refuge in Syria (UN News) - [text online] EGYPT: Migrants the weakest link in bird flu preparedness - report (IRIN News) - [text online] GLOBAL: Forced to flee (IRIN News) - [text online] Blog: Plight of DRC women highlighted (IRIN News) - [text online]
Please find below a list of updated and new publications on refugee studies and related topics.These have been accumulated from a range of online sources and links to the relevant full-text document are given where appropriate.This list will be made available on a regular basis via our Refugee Studies blog (http://refugee-archives.blogspot.com), as new resources become available.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Title:The long road home: Opportunities and obstacles to the reintegration of IDPs and refugees returning to Southern Sudan and the Three Areas. Report of Phase II: Conflict, urbanisation and land
Authors:Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG).
Publication Date: September 2008.
Publication URL Address:http://www.odi.org.uk/hpg/papers/hpgcommissioned-reintegration-phaseII.pdf
Source:Forced Migration Current Awareness Blog: http://fm-cab.blogspot.com/ (Web)
3)
10th annual march by death in custody families
http://www.irr.org.uk/2008/october/ha000025.html 1:00pm, 25 October 2008 --- The United Families & Friends Campaign, the national coalition of families whose loved ones have died in police, prison and psychiatric custody, will march on Downing Street to challenge the Prime Minister to intervene.
4) ‘Mental Health Matters: Issues for Refugees and Asylum Seekers’.
The Welsh Refugee Council is hosting a groundbreaking conference on mental health for asylum seekers and refugees.‘Mental Health Matters: Issues for Refugees and Asylum Seekers’ takes place at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea on Wednesday 10th December.
There will be speakers from key organisations in the field, such as the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture and Mind.The conference will give health practitioners, policy makers and voluntary sector organisations the chance to discuss key issues, see examples of best practice and improve collaboration and partnerships.For more information, look at the conference flyer or use the booking form to reserve a space.
(Source: Welsh Refugee Council - http://www.welshrefugeecouncil.org/)
5)
‘Cultural aspects of working with refugees and asylum seekers.’A one day training course organised by the Refugee Council. To book please email training@refugeecouncil.org.uk Fees: £99 reduced rate (NGO or voluntary organisation), £160 standard rate (statutory/educational body/business).
"Environmental Change and Migration: Evidence and Developing Norms for Response."
The Refugee Studies Centre (RSC) and the International Migration Institute (IMI) are convening a workshop on "Environmental Change and Migration: Evidence and Developing Norms for Response." It will be held 8-9 January 2009 in Oxford; presentation abstracts can be submitted for consideration through 31 October 1008.
7)
Migrant workers in the economy: rights and responsibilities.
http://www.eccr.org.uk/News-article-sid-111.html Thu 20 November 2008, Friends’ House, London, 4.30-6pm (Source: Migrants Rights Network news, no 11) Open debate by the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility. Migrant workers, now a significant proportion of the UK workforce, are one of the most vulnerable groups of workers. As a society we have a responsibility to ensure that migrant workers are treated fairly. State agencies, companies, investors, trade unions, churches, community organisations and individual citizens and all have a part to play. Speakers: Eamon O’Hearn Large, GMB trade union; Barbara Storey, S.o.S Polonia migrant workers project; Revd David de Verny, former Ecumenical Chaplain with New Arrival Communities SE Lincolnshire; Paul Whitehouse, Gangmasters Licensing Authority; a speaker from the business sector (invited). Lord Harries of Pentregarth (former Bishop of Oxford) will chair the debate. Entrance is free, and all are welcome. RSVP miles.litvinoff@eccr.org.uk.
8)
Charity event to raise awareness about people who have had to seek asylum in Britain http://www.nhssuffolk.nhs.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=c3usNtJbcEQ%3D&tabid=704&mid=1325 Fri 28 November, St John’s URC, Ipswich, Suffolk, 7pm (Source Migrants Rights News Oct 08) The evening will be specifically looking at what happens to some refugees’ identity when making the transition from their home country into British culture and society. Includes film, dance, music and poetry. £5. More information and how to book at weblink above.
(Source: Welcome To Your Library Digest - www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk).
9)
CBI Migration Summit. Points, permits and public services. The new settlement on migration http://www.neilstewartassociates.co.uk/bn128/ Tue 28 Oct, Hotel Russell, London (Source: LORECA e-newsletter www.loreca.org.uk) The new immigration points system starting this year is a cornerstone of a new settlement on migration but not the whole picture. This summit aims to help business and public service HR leaders and executives understand the new landscape for migration and government policy to use the new systems and work together on the new settlement on migration. Full info at weblink above.
South Africa poverty 'emergency' (BBC News) - [text online] Bid to stop detention of children (BBC News) - [text online] World steps in with $4.5 billion for war-ravaged Georgia (The Times) - [text online] EU agrees "Blue Card" to lure high skilled migrants (Reuters, courtesy of IRR Digest) - [text online] Pakistan stares into the abyss (The Independent) - [text online] Court rules Islamic law discriminatory (The Independent) - [text online]
Uganda: Rebels sold abducted children to fight in Darfur (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
Colombia: Violent history repeats itself for indigenous communities (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Humanitarian action in Southern Sudan weekly bulletin, week 41, 12 - 18 Oct 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Humanitarian response in Somalia: Monthly cluster report, Sep 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online] ReliefWeb/OCHA Situation Report : Humanitarian response in Somalia: Monthly cluster report, Aug 2008 (ReliefWeb) - [text online]
UNHCR starts to help hundreds of Iraqi Christian refugees in Syria (UNHCR) - [text online]
UNHCR hopes to improve conditions for returnees to Abkhazia in 2009 (UNHCR) - [text online] Burma: Asian and European Leaders Should Press for Reforms (Human Rights Watch) - [text online] EU: Stand Firm Against Diplomatic Assurances (Human Rights Watch) - [text online]
War's Heartache Not Over for Separated Families (Refugees International) - [text online] AFRICA: Red Cross broadens its range of assistance (IRIN News) - [text online] ZIMBABWE: Economic crisis hits children harder (IRIN News) - [text online] SUDAN: Adam - “They shot me in the back” (IRIN News) - [text online] YEMEN: Move to stem influx of Ethiopians, Eritreans (IRIN News) - [text online] PHILIPPINES: Contingency plan for army of migrants (IRIN News) - [text online] EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Oil money draws sub-Saharan Africans (IRIN News) - [text online] Human rights bodies from 70 countries convene in Nairobi for UN forum (UN News) - [text online] UN working to ensure security for Darfur’s displaced, says peacekeeping chief (UN News) - [text online]
