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.
Following the highly successful conference 'Migration, Racism and Religion' in February, CMRB and Runnymede Trust are organising a follow up event which aims to explore some of the important themes that emerged from the last event.
The conference will address how questions of race, religion and religious affiliation operate in state policies and civil society in Britain and beyond. It examines how matters of faith are constructed in relation to old and new forms of racism and to other contemporary political projects of belonging. It considers the implications for citizenship and social solidarity in the context of “the Big Society”.
These issues will be examined in relation to specific questions which have occupied the British public in recent years: constructions of “faith communities” in relation to ethnic identities; the place of religion in equality legislation and legal pluralism; debates about dress codes; and the effect of particular forms of religious education, including separate faith schools. This conference will take these issues forward and promises to be highly charged.
Continuing with the inclusive and open format of previous events, this conference brings together academics and researchers, community activists, race equality groups, and leading figures from secular, Christian, Muslim and Jewish organisations.
As before, the event will be free of charge to attend and lunch and refreshments will be provided.
We would ask you to circulate these details to those you feel may be interested in participating in the discussion.
Migrants using media to turn around the immigration debate
University of East London, 29-30 March 2010
A European conference jointly organised by the 'Migrants and the Media Project' (MMP) and CMRB for groups involved in media and cultural activities, which promote a positive engagement with the issue of migration.
Contributors to plenary sessions will include: Don Flynn (Migrants' Rights Network), Nazek Ramadan, Aine O'Brien (FOMACS, Ireland) and Mica Nava (UEL).
Workshops include: FOMACS' digital video-making and radio journalism (Ireland), CEPAIM's 'La Ruta Prometida ' exhibition (Spain), Mendek's poster campaign (Hungary), Migrant Resource Centre's 'New Londoners' journalism project (UK), Playback Theatre (UK), CRWI on women and the media (Greece).
The following conference, organised by Meretz UK, will take place on Sunday 24 January in London. The conference is entitled: "Untermenschen" and "Asylum Seekers." Refugees and Economic Migrants" and full information and detaills on how to book can be found by following the link below:
This newsletter is produced on a regular basis to help disseminate news and further information in relation to refugee and forced migration issues.The newsletter is produced by the Refugee Archives service at the University of East London.
News and Media Stories
The continuing debate over the BNP invitation to appear on BBC Question Time programme
*These news reports are based on a recently released journal article by Ann Lorek (et al.) in the international journal entitled Child Abuse and Neglect.Access to this journal should be possible for UEL staff and students and a full reference is given below:
Lorek, A. (et al.) (2009). The mental and physical health difficulties of children held within a British immigration detention center: A pilot study.Child Abuse & Neglect 33(9): 573-585.
The Photographers' Gallery 16 - 18 Ramillies Street London W1F 7LW
16 October 2009 - 17 January 2010
Open See documents the experiences of people who travel from war torn, socially and economically devastated countries, to make new lives in Europe. They have left often violent, oppressive, poverty-stricken or AIDS ravaged communities, in search of stability and the promise of a better future. Originating from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, these ‘new Europeans’ have met violence and brutality as well as hope and liberation in their new homes.
For more information or to reserve a seat, please contact Wouter te Kloeze: wouter.tekloeze@qeh.ox.ac.uk <mailto:wouter.tekloeze@qeh.ox.ac.uk> or
+44 (0)1865 281726.
A conference on refugees and migrants - 27 January 2009
A half day conference to discuss new developments and opportunities for further work in support of refugees and migrants in the Yorkshire and Humber Region.
Tuesday 27 January 2009, 9.30-2pm
St George's Hall, Great George Street, LeedsLS1 3BR
This event is free, but attendees must register in advance. For registration details and a conference agenda visit: www.leedsmet.ac.uk/refugeesmigrants, or alternatively email: c.mcosh@leedsmet.ac.uk, or phone: Cara McCosh on 0113 812 9295 to ask for a registration form. This event will be of interest to policy makers, education and skills providers, funders, investors, employer organisations and others working with refugees and migrants.
Events listing is provided for information only. Inclusion in this listing should not be taken to imply that the Institute of Race Relations supports an event or is involved in organising it.
A meeting examining issues relating to race, class and education, including empowerment and exclusion, and alternative approaches to teaching Black History.
Saturday 31 January 2009, 2pm
West London Trade Union Centre, 33-35 High Street, ActonW3 6ND
Speakers include activists, teachers, asylum seekers, and anti-deportation campaigners.
Refreshments will be available. Event organised by London Development Education Centre, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, LondonNW5 2TJ. For further information, email: londec@hotmail.com or call: 07944 565 620. Tube: ActonTown, Acton Central BR. Buses: 607, 70, 207, 266, E3. Events listing is provided for information only. Inclusion in this listing should not be taken to imply that the Institute of Race Relations supports an event or is involved in organising it.
Slavery, Migration, and Contemporary Bondage in Africa
23rd-25th of September 2009
This is a revised call for papers and participation for an
interdisciplinary conference on 'Slavery, Migration, and Contemporary
Bondage in Africa', to take place at the Wilberforce Institute for the
study of Slavery and Emancipation, Hull, United Kingdom. This conference
will explore linkages between the history of slavery and migration in
Africa and contemporary forms of bondage, such as child labour,
'classical' slavery, child soldiers, descent based discrimination, and
human trafficking and the exploitation of migrants. Eight travel
bursaries are available for early career scholars based in and/or from
Africa.
nterested researchers are invited to submit paper proposals based on
one or more of the following themes:
Governance
* Similarities and differences in the (ab)use of labour: How have
pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial political authorities sought to
organize and regulate labour in Africa?
* Evolving patterns of migration and movement control: How have
various models of political authority sought to regulate, promote and/or
restrict the movement of peoples in Africa?
* Institutional influences and colonial practises: On what terms
can we connect colonial budgets, 'native' policies, middle rank
administration and forced labour practices?
Social and Economic Formations
* Innovation in exploitation: What factors account for the
emergence and/or further expansion of new forms of bondage following the
legal abolition of slavery across continental Africa?
* The persistence of pre-colonial practices: On what terms can
historical practices be connected to current problems, such as child
labour, descent based discrimination, and/or debt-bondage?
The Past in the Present
* Historical parallels with contemporary problems: What can the
history of slavery, migration and colonial rule in Africa tell us about
contemporary developments and future prospects in Africa?
* The legacies of historical slave systems: How has the history of
slavery, migration and colonialism influenced contemporary patterns of
movement and labour exploitation within Africa?
* Repairing historical wrongs in Africa: What avenues are
available to repair past injustices?
Each of these themes invite scholars who specialise in particular issues
and events to reflect upon the broader significance of their field of
expertise to both the broader history and contemporary prospects of
Africa.
Submission Information
To submit a paper proposal, please send abstracts of up to 300 words,
together with a current curriculum vitae to wise@hull.ac.uk, by the
13th of March 2009. The organizers of the conference have also secured
eight bursaries for early career scholars from/based in Africa. These
cover flights, accommodation and conference registration. Applicants for
bursaries should apply through the same procedure outlined above,
indicating that they wish to be considered for a bursary. Final papers
of between 6000 and 8000 words will be expected by the 31st of July
2009. The registration form for the conference will be available in
March 2009. Requests for additional information should be directed to
either Joel Quirk at j.quirk@hull.ac.uk or Darshan Vigneswaran at
darshan.vigneswaran@wits.ac.za. The organizers of the conference plan on
publishing a selection of revised conference papers as a special issue
of the journal Slavery and Abolition.
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Call for Papers:
Centre for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism
(CRONEM), University of Surrey, UK
AHRC Diasporas, Migration and Identities Programme / CRONEM Conference
2009
Diasporas, Migration and Identities: Crossing Boundaries, New Directions
University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
11-12 June 2009
'Diasporas, migration and identities <http://www.diasporas.ac.uk/> ' has
been the subject of a major national research programme funded by the
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) in the UK since 2005. Its
central concerns have also been at the heart of the work of the Centre
for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism (CRONEM).
The aim of this international conference is to examine the past and
present impact of diasporas and migration on nation, community, identity
and subjectivity, culture and the imagination, place and space, emotion,
politics, law and values.
Confirmed speakers:
* Ien Ang, Professor of Cultural Studies, University of West
Sydney, Australia
* Robin Cohen, Professor of Development Sociology, University of
Oxford / Honorary Professor at the University of Warwick, UK
* Peggy Levitt, Associate Professor, Wellesley College, USA
* Ato Quayson, Professor of English and Director of the Centre for
Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the University of Toronto, Canada
We invite abstracts that address the following themes in the UK and
beyond:
* Migration, settlement and diaspora: modes, stages and forms
* Representation, performance, discourse and language
* Subjectivity, emotion and identity
* Objects, practices and places
* Beliefs, values and laws
* The role of youth in relationship to diasporas, migration and
identities
* Diasporic economics and labour markets
* The recognition of multiple origins and mixedness
* The politics of immigration and integration
* Public opinion and public policy
* Ethnic identity politics
For more registration and submission forms, please visit
http://www.surrey.ac.uk/Arts/CRONEM/index.htm The closing date for abstracts is 2 February 2009.
****************************************
Mirela Dumic
Centre for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism
(CRONEM)
Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences
21 AC 05
Post Box I4
University of Surrey Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
E-mail: m.dumic@surrey.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1483 682365
www.surrey.ac.uk/arts/cronem
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Refugee Studies Centre Short Courses
January-March 2009
PSYCHOSOCIAL RESPONSES TO CONFLICT AND FORCED MIGRATION 7-8 February 2009
This two-day course examines mental health and psychosocial support in
emergency and protracted refugee settings. It invites practitioners and
theorists to struggle with complex intercultural issues associated with
psychosocial programming.
Instructors:
Dr Michael Wessells, Senior Advisor on Child Protection for Christian
Children's Fund, Professor of Clinical Population and Family Health at
Columbia University, and Professor of Psychology at Randolph-Macon College.
Dr Maryanne Loughry, Associate Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service
Australia, Research Associate of the Refugee Studies Centre, University
of Oxford and Visiting Scholar at Boston College. Both presenters were
members of the Psychosocial Working Group, an international academic and
practitioner group committed to the development of knowledge and best
practice in the field of psychosocial interventions in complex emergencies.
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES AND INTERNATIONAL LAW 28 February-1 March 2009 This two-day course places the Palestinian refugee case study within the
broader context of the international human rights regime. It examines,
within a human rights framework, the policies and practices of Middle
Eastern states as they impinge upon Palestinian refugees. Through a mix
of lectures, working group exercises and interactive sessions,
participants engage actively and critically with the contemporary
debates in the human rights movement and analyse the specific context of
Palestinian refugees in the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the
West Bank, Gaza and Israel) in light of the debates.
Instructors:
Dr Dawn Chatty, University Reader in Anthropology and Forced Migration
and Deputy Director of the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford.
Leila Hilal , independent researcher currently focusing on assessing
national protection frameworks in the Middle East, former Legal Adviser
on Refugees to the PLO Negotiations Affairs Department in Ramallah, West
Bank. Former Visiting Research Fellow at the RSC.
Lena El-Malak , doctoral candidate in Public International Law at the
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and a
member of the Massachusetts State Bar.
For further information, please contact: Katherine Salahi, Outreach
Programme Manager
Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford Department of International Development
University of Oxford, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1865 270723 Fax: +44 (0) 1865 270297
E-mail: katherine.salahi@qeh.ox.ac.uk
The 6th Annual Forced Migration Student Conference organised by postgraduates and hosted by the Refugee Research Centre at the University of East London on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of April.
Living a life in the margins or a marginalised life is a recurrent trope in the field of forced migration studies. Throughout the whole refugee experience from persecution and flight to settlement and integration, refugees find themselves pushed to the margins and often excluded. The marginalisation of various categories of forced migrants brings into question the effectiveness of protection regimes. Livelihood strategies of forced migrants are formulated at the very margins of society, some of whom are compelled to do so 'outside' the law. How do refugees negotiate identities that help them to combat social exclusion? Adopting a reflexive gaze, as researchers and aspiring academics we must ask ourselves how considerable and pertinent are the dialogues of practitioners and academics? Is academia to be confined to the sidelines or can it be more engaged with forced migrants? In which ways can the study of forced migration be related to wider global issues?
The conference invites papers that fit within the broad theme of the conference and forced migration more generally. We solicit papers that converge on the following sub-themes of the conference:
1) Conversations and interdisciplinary dialogues (scholarly, policy, practitioners, NGOs)
2) Sites of liminality and change (state; regional; local, trans-national; familial; individual)
3) Conversations in issue-areas (development; human rights; migration; security; post-conflict)
4) Sites of experience (gender; flight; re-settlement; camps; exclusion)
Postgraduate students (Masters/MPhil/PhD) are invited to submit abstracts for papers (no more than 250 words) and a personal profile (no more than 100 words). They should be sent, with full contact details, by 4pm on 26th January 2009 to:fmconference2009@googlemail.com
Beyond camps and forced labour: current international research on
survivors of Nazi persecution.
Third international multidisciplinary conference to be held at the
Imperial War Museum London, 7-9 January 2009
Further information and a registration form are now available at:
http://www.iwm.org.uk/BCFL <http://www.iwm.org.uk/conferenceBCFL> 2009
Around 100 speakers from all over the world will present and discuss the
latest results of their research on all groups of survivors of Nazi
persecution. These include - but are not limited to - Jews, Gypsies,
Slavonic peoples, homosexuals, Soviet prisoners of war, political
dissidents, members of underground movements, the disabled, the
so-called 'racially impure', and forced labourers.
Join us in London!
Suzanne Bardgett, Imperial War Museum, London David Cesarani, Royal
Holloway, University of London Jessica Reinisch, Birkbeck College London
Johannes-Dieter Steinert, University of Wolverhampton
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REFUGEE STUDIES CENTRE SHORT COURSES January-March 2009
NEW COURSE: STATELESSNESS 9-11 January 2009
This two and a half day course has been devised by RSC staff member
Jean-Francois Durieux, in close co-operation with the Statelessness Unit
of UNHCR. It is intended for experienced practitioners and graduate
researchers. Parliamentarians and staff, members of the judiciary and
the bar, government officials, personnel of intergovernmental and
non-governmental organisations, advocates and stateless persons are
welcome to apply, personal interest and commitment being the key
criteria for participation.
Resource persons are a mix of experts in particular disciplines; area
specialists; and staff of UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva:
Dr Brad Blitz: Reader in Political Geography, Oxford Brookes University;
Jean-François Durieux: Departmental Lecturer in International Refugee
and Human Rights Law, RSC;
Dr Matthew Gibney: Reader in Politics and Forced Migration and Elizabeth
Colson Lecturer in Forced Migration, RSC;
Stefanie Grant: Harrison Grant Solicitors, Adviser Equal Rights Trust;
Mark Manly: Head Statelessness Unit, UNHCR Geneva;
Abbas Shiblak: Research Associate, RSC; founder & first director of the
Palestinian Refugee and Diaspora Centre.
PSYCHOSOCIAL RESPONSES TO CONFLICT AND FORCED MIGRATION 7-8 February 2009
This two-day course examines mental health and psychosocial support in
emergency and protracted refugee settings. It invites practitioners and
theorists to struggle with complex intercultural issues associated with
psychosocial programming.
Instructors:
Dr Michael Wessells, Senior Advisor on Child Protection for Christian
Children's Fund, Professor of Clinical Population and Family Health at
Columbia University, and Professor of Psychology at Randolph-Macon College.
Dr Maryanne Loughry, Associate Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service
Australia, Research Associate of the Refugee Studies Centre, University
of Oxford and Visiting Scholar at Boston College. Both presenters were
members of the Psychosocial Working Group, an international academic and
practitioner group committed to the development of knowledge and best
practice in the field of psychosocial interventions in complex emergencies.
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES AND INTERNATIONAL LAW 28 February-1 March 2009 This two-day course places the Palestinian refugee case study within the
broader context of the international human rights regime. It examines,
within a human rights framework, the policies and practices of Middle
Eastern states as they impinge upon Palestinian refugees. Through a mix
of lectures, working group exercises and interactive sessions,
participants engage actively and critically with the contemporary
debates in the human rights movement and analyse the specific context of
Palestinian refugees in the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the
West Bank, Gaza and Israel) in light of the debates.
Instructors:
Dr Dawn Chatty, University Reader in Anthropology and Forced Migration
and Deputy Director of the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford.
Leila Hilal , independent researcher currently focusing on assessing
national protection frameworks in the Middle East, former Legal Adviser
on Refugees to the PLO Negotiations Affairs Department in Ramallah, West
Bank. Former Visiting Research Fellow at the RSC.
Lena El-Malak , doctoral candidate in Public International Law at the
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and a
member of the Massachusetts State Bar.
For further information, please contact:
Katherine Salahi, Outreach Programme Manager
Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford Department of International Development
University of Oxford, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1865 270723 Fax: +44 (0) 1865 270297
E-mail: katherine.salahi@qeh.ox.ac.uk
The Summer Course on Forced Migration Issues is an internationally
acclaimed eight-day course for academic and field-based practitioners
working in the area of forced migration. It serves as a hub for
researchers, students, service providers and policy makers to share
information and ideas.
Dates: June 6 - 14, 2009 Times: Full course days will run 8:30 am - 5:00
pm. Opening reception and registration is in the afternoon of June 6.
Course Fee: $975 (Canadian) After February 28, 2009: $1100 (Canadian)
Forms and Information may be accessed from
http://www.yorku.ca/crs/summer.htm Application materials may be
submitted either electronically, by fax or by mail to: Irene Connie
Tumwebaze Summer Course Coordinator Centre for Refugee Studies York
University, Suite 315, York Lanes 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada M3J 1P3 Phone: 416-7362100 Ext:55423 Fax: 416-736-5837 E-mail:
summer@yorku.ca
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9th Annual Harrell-Bond Lecture: Asylum: a new perspective
The Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford is pleased to announce
the 9th ANNUAL HARRELL-BOND LECTURE. Wednesday, 19 November 2008. The Rt
Hon Sir John Waite, co-chair of the Independent Asylum Commission, will
speak about the origins and work of the IAC, and the implications of its
wide-ranging review and recommendations, in a lecture entitled 'Asylum:
a new perspective.' UniversityMuseum of Natural History, Parks Road,
OxfordOX1 3PW. The lecture will start at 5 pm, followed by a reception.
If you would like to attend please contact Katherine Salahi, Refugee
Studies Centre, tel 01865 270723 katherine.salahi@qeh.ox.ac.uk
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Left in the Dark: The unmet need for information in humanitarian response.
The Refugee Studies Centre at the University of Oxford is pleased to
announce the next edition of its weekend workshop on Palestinian
Refugees and International Law. The two-day course will be held in
Oxford on 29-30 November 2008, taught by Dr Dawn Chatty, University
Reader in Anthropology & Forced Migration and Deputy Director of the
Refugee Studies Centre; and Ms Lena El-Malak, doctoral candidate in
Public International Law at the School of Oriental and African Studies,
University of London and member of the Massachusetts State Bar.
The workshop places the Palestinian refugee case study within the
broader context of the international human rights regime. Teaching is
conducted through a mix of lectures, group exercises and interactive
sessions allowing participants to actively engage with the subject matter.
New events from ODI:
A long road home Thursday, 13 November, 17.00 - 18.30
Palace of Westminster, Committee Room 12, St. Steven's entrance
Speakers Include:Sara Pantuliano, Margie Buchanan-Smith and Paul Murphy.
Sudan's peace agreement is approaching its most testing time. As up to two million displaced people attempt to re-settle in areas that are impoverished and ill-prepared, a number of colossal challenges present themselves. Action is urgently needed to address massive and rapid urbanisation, encourage civilians to disarm and provide opportunities for the sustainable use of natural resources, including land in urban areas. Infrastructure and markets need to be developed and equitable access to essential services must be put in place.
This ODI meeting, hosted by the Associate Parliamentary Group on Sudan, will launch the second phase of a study by the Humanitarian Policy Group on reintegration in Southern Sudan and the Three Areas. The authors, Sara Pantuliano, Margie Buchanan-Smith and Paul Murphy, will outline the key obstacles faced by returnees and the strategies that must be put in place to support one of the world's largest return and reintegration processes. Wendy Fenton, an independent consultant with over 20 years of experience working in Sudan, will act as a discussant at this event.
The Children’s Workforce Development Council, working with NorthumbriaUniversity and the National Foundation for Educational Research, have set up a series of seminars to understand the skills and knowledge of people working with refugee and asylum seeker families. The long term aim is to provide training for individuals or groups to fill skills or knowledge gaps in relation to work in this area. Anyone working in local authorities or voluntary organisations with this audience is invited to attend to share understanding and good practice. Booking form: http://www.irr.org.uk/pdf/CWDC_form.doc
Promoting integration of vulnerable migrant groups
24 November, ippr, London
This is the third in a seminar series supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and draws on the findings of the JRF’s Immigration and Inclusion Programme. It will focus on irregular migrants, transient labour migrants and asylum-seekers and refugees. Participants will receive copies of new ippr research on the integration of Bangladeshi, Iranian, Nigerian and Somali migrants. The seminar aims to:
translate recent research on immigrant integration and social inclusion into policy recommendations
consider the impact of policy interventions targeted at irregular migrants, transient labour migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees
share work and to consolidate networks between researchers and policymakers
disseminate best practice in migrant integration and social cohesion.
More information and details of speakers at weblink above. For further information or to confirm attendance please contact Holly Andrew, Migration and Equalities Team, ippr 0207 470 6170 or h.andrew@ippr.org
e v e n t
Lesbian and gay asylum seekers
http://www.irr.org.uk/2008/november/bw000012.html 1:00pm, 28 November 2008 --- Training on issues faced by lesbian and gay asylum seekers when claiming asylum in the UK.
