In the week leading up to World Refugee Day on June 20, Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events and activities that celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK and promotes better understanding of why people seek sanctuary.

The Refugee Studies Centre is pleased to announce that we are holding two special events for Refugee Week this year – a panel discussion focusing on the Mediterranean refugee crisis and a workshop on the Syria humanitarian crisis, Syrian aspirations and the EU response. We are also involved in a third event organised by Oxford City Amnesty Group. These events form part of Oxford Refugee Week, a week of open community events that explore the issues facing refugees and asylum-seekers in the UK and highlight their many positive contributions to our community, including music, film and theatre and public meetings, panel discussions and a sponsored walk.

We look forward to seeing you at these events.

Tuesday 16 June, 19:15 – 21:00

The Syrian Humanitarian Crisis & UK Response: What Oxford Can Do To Help

Oxford City Amnesty Group host a special edition of their monthly meeting, with Professor Dawn Chatty and Hannah Slater (Amnesty UK’s Country Co-ordinator for Syria).

Open to all.

Location: Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates

Wednesday 17 June, 17:00-18:30

How Should Europe Respond to the Mediterranean Refugee Crisis?

Refugee Week Panel Discussion, chaired by Dr Jeff Crisp, with speakers Professor Alexander Betts, Professor Cathryn Costello, Dr Mariagiulia Giuffré and Dr Nando Sigona. A drinks reception will follow.

Open to all but registration is strongly recommended.

Location: The Garden Room, Oxford Department of International Development, Queen Elizabeth House, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TB

Friday 19 June, 14:30-17:00

Refuge in Europe: Syrian Aspirations | Special Workshop

Against the background of this unprecedented humanitarian crisis, what are Syrians’ aspirations for their futures? What kind of futures do they want to build? And what measures have EU Member States taken in response to the crisis? Chaired by Professor Dawn Chatty, this workshop will draw on ethnographic accounts from work directly with Syrian communities in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. The workshop will bring together experts and academics that have had direct fieldwork experience and can speak about the concerns, needs, and aspirations of Syrians who have fled Syria.

A wine reception will follow. Registration not required.

Location: The Garden Room, Oxford Department of International Development, Queen Elizabeth House, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TB