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The Australian government established the Determination of Refugee Status Committee (DORS) in 1977, as part of the nation’s obligations under the 1951 Convention and as a means of responding to an increasing number of asylum seekers.

This talk will draw from government archival records, UNHCR archival records and original oral history interviews with former DORS members to examine the Committee’s deliberations over a four and a half year period. The range of evidence provides a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the status determination process, enabling us to measure the outcomes for applicants from specific national groups or minorities, and to query the competing political influences on the DORS process.

Refreshments will be provided after the event.

About the speaker

Claire Higgins is a final year doctoral candidate in Economic and Social History at the University of Oxford, researching the development of Australian refugee policy during the 1970s and 1980s. She will hold the Margaret George Award at the National Archives of Australia in 2014, while researching Australia's in-country programme in Chile and El Salvador. 

Contact

If you require special access or for any enquiries about this event, please contact:

Email: rsc@qeh.ox.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1865 281707

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The Annual Harrell-Bond Lecture is named in honour of Dr Barbara Harrell-Bond, the founding Director of the Refugee Studies Centre. It is held each year in Michaelmas term.

Annual Elizabeth Colson Lecture

The Annual Elizabeth Colson Lecture is held in Trinity term. It is named after Professor Elizabeth Colson, a renowned anthropologist.

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Each term the RSC holds a series of public seminars, held on Wednesday evenings at Queen Elizabeth House. Click here for details of forthcoming seminars.

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Saturday, 20 July 2024, 2pm to 3pm @ The Crypt Cafe, St Peters Church, Northchurch Terrace, London N1 4DA