Open Round Table on Social Movements in Support of Refugees, Saturday 10-11

Since 2011, over 4 million people have fled the civil war in Syria and sought refuge in the neighbouring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. However, their precarious living conditions and uncertain legal status in these countries have pushed them to move to Europe where most states proved to be unwelcoming. In a surge for solidarity and outrage towards state policies deemed too strict towards people in need of help, many citizens have taken it upon themselves to support refugees on their quest for a decent life.

Circle 1 invites everyone interested to take part in a round table on new social movements in support of refugees. The aim of the round table is twofold: We would like to hear about any social or civil movements in support of refugees in as many countries as possible to help us in the work in the hopefully upcoming new study circle “Understanding migration in the Nordic and Baltic countries”.

In this circle we plan an outreach strategy to reach new inhabitants in the Nordic and Baltic countries, among those academics with refugee background who have no or little connection to Nordic academia yet. It will be a special aim to attract and welcome such people. In this effort we will use civil networks in each country as starting points to make contact. It will thus be very helpful for us to hear about such networks.

The other aim with the round table is to discuss the refugee situation in general, as well as the relations between state, civil society movements, local citizens and refugees. The round table will also be an opportunity to exchange experiences on how civil movements can support refugees.

We welcome you all in Circle 1 from 10-11. We will meet you in the reception at 10 and guide you to our room (LA 21).