The Journey to Protection and the University Experience for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

What does protection mean, and how does this journey effect the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers within the university environment? This public lecture is a unique opportunity not only to develop a legal and political understanding of the issues refugees and asylum seekers face, but also to hear first-hand what this means in personal terms. Jointly presented by Anne Bathily (former Senior Policy Officer for the European Council Refugees and Exiles and currently a consultant for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and Dawit Friew (a refugee currently living and studying in Norway), the lecture will explore experiences of being a refugee or asylum seeker in the university context and will reflect on the importance of developing a more welcoming environment for people seeking sanctuary. The lecture will be orientated toward a discussion of practical ways that staff and students can take actions in creating such an environment, and the event will include a separate introduction to the UK ‘University of Sanctuary’ initiative as a potential route for University of Warwick to develop initiatives in this area. All academic and administrative staff, students and local community group members are warmly welcome to attend this event.