The situation of refugees stuck in 'temporary' shelters with the denial of basic human rights is unacceptable. However, finding alternatives to the situation requires consideration of complex issues. The 2008 Conference on Refugee Warehousing will offer a forum to consider the issues and strengthen the movement against refugee warehousing. Cohosted by the Global Studies Department at the University of Pittsburgh, this conference will take place in Pittsburgh October 10th - 12th, 2008.
FORGE believe that better lives are possible for all people, including refugees stuck in camps or refugee settlements for protracted periods of time. Solving the problem of refugee warehousing and other human rights issues requires knowledgeable citizenry and communities who come together to demand change from political actors and international organizations.
This exciting conference will offer speakers, breakout sessions as well as information in other forms such as videos and short presentations. Participants and speakers include: Khadra Mohammed (Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Refugee Center), Judy Wakahiu (Executive Director of the Refugee Consortium in Kenya), and Abraham A. Awolich (Co-Director and Co-Founder of New Sudan Education Initiative). The keynote speeches will be delivered by two of the field's most respected activists: Dr. Barbara Harrell-Bond OBE from the American University in Cairo and Merrill Smith from the US Comittee for Refugees and Immigrants.
For more information, contact Ellie Ott at warehousing08@refugeeconference.org
To register, visit www.refugeeconference.org