2023 Cambridge Refugee Week

co-ordinated by the Refugee Hub, Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement, University of Cambridge and our partners 

Tugba Basaran
Convenor of the Cambridge refugee hub

World Refugee Day: Conference and Public Events Tuesday 20th of June, 10.00 - 18.00, Alison Richard Building organised by the Cambridge refugee hub, Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement

June 20 is the World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees. Join us for an engaging programme of research and public events including panel discussions, flash talks, films, poetry workshop and more. Bringing together a diverse array of academics, grassroots activists and local community members, this event is open to all and aimed at centring the diversity of refugee experiences in finding better ways to uphold refugee rights. All day at Alison Richard Building (SG1 and Atrium). All welcome.

Pushing the boundaries of research, policy and practice for education and displacement
Monday, 19th of June, 10.00 - 12.00,  Faculty of Education
organised by M. Shuayb, Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement

Over the past two decades, issues surrounding education and displacement have gained significant attention, such that ‘refugee education’ is now a core pillar of the western humanitarian response model. This is evidenced by the proliferation of policies, practices, funding schemes, and research studies surrounding the field of ‘Education in Emergencies’. However, despite this increased attention, the field remains fraught with many tensions, particularly regarding funding. Education is one of the most underfunded areas of humanitarian aid, with only about 3% of global humanitarian funding allocated to education.

Quakers and Community: Refugees in Cambridge
Monday, 19th of June, 19.30, Jesus Lane Quaker Meeting House (12 Jesus Lane, Cambridge), pls register

Jesus Lane Quaker Meeting  is a member of Cambridge City of Sanctuary and has for many years been active in supporting refugees and local refugee charities; hosting English language classes, providing a safe space for art therapy, providing free meeting room space and hosting refugees in family homes. This event will be a chance to hear directly from those involved about their work and experiences of Quaker faith in action.

Speakers include : Catharine Walston (Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign and  Cambridge Convoy Refugee Action Group); Sue Spencer (English  teacher working with refugee children); Susan  Mealing (Refugee Council funded Art Therapist); Hilary Sutton (English Teacher working with adult refugees); Marisa Johnson  (host of Ukrainian refugee family)

Human Connections and Digital Connectivity: Place and Displacement in 21st-Century Cities
Wednesday 21st of June: 9.30– 16.30, Newnham College, pls register
organised by J. Mander, Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement

The workshop aims to bring together those working in the arts and humanities with those in STEM and explore the place for ‘arts-led thinking’ in relation to digital ‘solutions’ around 21st-century challenges.  We will focus in particular on the modern city and how innovation meets conditions of hospitality or inclusion for all – including the refugee.  The goal of the morning session is to develop connections and conversations across academic disciplines and sectors around short (10 minute) 'conversation openers' provided by a range of speakers.  In the afternoon all participants will play an active role in a hands-on session, facilitated by local artist Annabel Lee.  Harriet Truscott will join us as poet-in-residence and act as rapporteur.

Forum on the Future of Afghanistan 
Thursday, 22nd of June, 12.00 until Friday, 23rd of June, 17.00
organised by the Cambridge refugee hub, Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement

As part of its programme on understanding crises and displacement, the Cambridge Refugee Hub is holding a workshop with young Afghan leaders on the Future of Afghanistan, Thursday, June 22nd and Friday, June 23rd, 2023. The objective of this workshop is to bring together young Afghan leaders and researchers, now in diaspora, to establish a diverse and representative platform, which will meet regularly over the following years to discuss and create consensus on key issues, such as women and minority rights, reconciliation, and in particular educational initiatives for Afghan women and refugees. As result of these workshops, we hope to develop position papers and shape interventions, with the support of academic experts at the University of Cambridge, to then share with Afghan, regional and international stakeholders. 

This workshop is by invitation only. Please contact refugees@humanmovement.cam.ac.uk for any questions.

CamCRAG Social 
Saturday, 24th of June, 19.30 -21.30 Downing Place URC (Gibson Hall)
organised by CamCRAG

Join CamCRAG this refugee week for a screening of the inspiring documentary Samos on Fire and a Q+A with its director, Fareid Atta. We'll also have some live music from Bakk Lamp Fall in a style similar to that featured in the documentary, and will be sharing an introduction to CamCRAG’s work and how you can get involved with supporting refugees in Cambridge. Samos on Fire tells the story of a group of musicians in a refugee camp in Samos who come together to make music despite having to contend with fires, earthquakes, and worst of all… the bewildering asylum process. 

For questions or comments, please contact refugees@humanmovement.cam.ac.uk 
To join the mailing list of the refugee hub, register at ucam-refugeehub