The Refugee Crisis
The world is in the grip of an international refugee crisis. Over 68 million people have been displaced from their homes due to war, state collapse, persecution, terrorism, poverty, and climate catastrophes. While these numbers have never been greater, many refugee destination countries have responded with restrictionist and anti-immigrant policies. Those seeking refuge are treated as unwelcome intruders and are subject to marginalization, dehumanizing detention, or deportation. The precarious position of refugees is further exacerbated by unstable conditions in host states. This conference gathers scholars, activists, and artists to examine the refugee crisis from a comparative regional perspective. Through panels, storytelling, lectures, and performances, it will interrogate the conditions that have led to the crisis; critically examine existing legal definitions of refugees; analyze responses to the crisis by governments, organizations, activists, and refugees; and explore new strategies for protecting and accommodating precarious populations.
The conference is organized by Andreas Feldmann, Lynette Jackson, and Sultan Tepe, in a collaboration with the Institute for the Humanities. More detailed information on speakers and schedule will be announced.