FMR 16 : published January 2003

Refugee Studies Centre


Queen's Anniversary Prize for the Refugee Studies Centre

The RSC's contribution to the study of forced migration and refugees has been recognised by the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. The Prize is awarded every two years to 20 or so academic units that can clearly demonstrate the outstanding achievement and benefit of their work.

The RSC was commended on its central role in developing Refugee Studies as a distinct field of investigation; its work with UN agencies and international organisations; its teaching programme; the establishment of the world's leading library on forced migration and refugee issues; its wide range of publications, including Forced Migration Review; the development of Forced Migration Online; and the establishment of effective international networks.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Sir Colin Lucas, said: "The work of the Centre demonstrates that research and teaching of the highest academic standard can also be vitally important in providing solutions to real problems that affect millions of people. It also shows the significance and influence that a network of trained practitioners can have in shaping international debate and policy making to represent the interests of those who might otherwise not be heard."


1st Annual Student Conference on Forced Migration
22 February 2003 : Oxford

The organisation of the 1st Annual Student Conference on Forced Migration (organised by RSC students) aims to create a relaxed and supportive environment in which postgraduates can meet, present and share their research and their experience.
To register, email fmsc03@hotmail.com with the following details: name, contact details (email/tel), university and department, programme and/or thesis title, year of study. Cost: £10 if registered by 31 January 31; £15 thereafter. Cost includes lunch.


Southeast Asia Regional School in Forced Migration
8-18 December 2003: Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok

This Regional School, run in collaboration with the Asian Research Centre for Migration at Chulalongkorn University, aims to provide those who work with refugees and other displaced people in Asia and Oceania with a better understanding of the forces and institutions that dominate their world and the worlds of those who have been uprooted. Participants typically include host government officials, intergovernmental and non-governmental agency personnel engaged in planning, administering and coordinating assistance.
Enquiries to: The SEA Regional School Administrator, Asian Research Centre for Migration, Institute of Asian Studies, 7th Floor Prajadhipok-Rambhai Barni Building, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
Tel: +66 2 2187462. Fax: +66 2 2551124. Email: Ratcahda.J@Chula.ac.th.
or: The SEA Regional School Project Manager, RSC (at address above). Tel: +44 (0)1865 270723/270726. Fax: +44 (0)1865 270721. Email: sea.school@qeh.ox.ac.uk


The Rights of Refugees under International Law
26-27 April 2003 : Oxford

This weekend seminar focuses on the specific human rights to which all refugees are entitled under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Its goal is to equip policy makers, advocates and scholars with a solid understanding of the international refugee rights regime. Instructor: Prof James C Hathaway, Director, Program in Refugee and Asylum Law, University of Michigan Law School. Fee: £130.
Contact Dominique Attala at rscmst@qeh.ox.ac.uk or at the RSC address.


Palestinian Refugees and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
10-11 May 2003 : Oxford

Through a mix of lectures, working group exercises and interactive sessions, participants engage actively and critically with the contemporary debates in the human rights movement and analyse the specific context of Palestinian refugees in the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza and Israel) in light of these debates. Instructors: Dr Randa Farah (University of Western Ontario, Canada) and Fiona McKay, LLM (Lawyer's Committee for Human Rights, New York). Fee: £100.
Contact Dominique Attala at rscmst@qeh.ox.ac.uk or at the RSC address.


International Summer School in Forced Migration 2003
7-25 July 2003 - Wadham College, Oxford

This three-week residential course provides a broad understanding of the issues of forced migration and humanitarian assistance; participants examine, discuss and review theory and practice and develop communication and analysis skills useful for the workplace. Designed for managers, administrators, field workers and policy makers in humanitarian fields. Cost: £2300 (incl. B&B accommodation, weekday lunches, tuition fees, course materials, social activities).
Contact the International Summer School Administrator at the RSC (address above). Tel: +44 (0)1865 270723. Email: summer.school@qeh.ox.ac.uk


The Bob Johnson Scholarship

The RSC is delighted to announce the establishment of a new scholarship for a European student on its Master of Science course. The scholarship is the gift of Bruna Johnson, the widow of the Centre's most generous friend, Robert A Johnson.
For more information email rscmsc@qeh.ox.ac.uk