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Three years ago, Tom Scott-Smith (Associate Professor of Refugee Studies and Forced Migration) and Mark E Breeze (Director of Studies in Architecture, St. John's College, Cambridge) set out to make a documentary film to communicate the findings of their project on Architectures of Displacement. This looked at how governments and humanitarian agencies in six different countries provided basic shelter to refugees from Syria following the ‘summer of migration’ in 2015.

Now complete, Shelter without Shelter relates a story of great hopes, profound challenges, and varying strategies for sheltering forced migrants. Filmed across Europe and the Middle East, this feature length documentary takes you behind the scenes to hear from the people who created these shelters and the migrants who have to live in them. From mega-camps, city squats, and occupied airports, to informal settlements, requisitioned buildings, and flat-pack solutions, Shelter without Shelter gives you unique insights into one of the greatest challenges of our times. We all need shelter, but what is it?

This event will show extracts from the film followed by discussion with Tom Scott-Smith and Mark E Breeze.

The film will be released in 2020. Find out more and watch the trailer at: www.shelterwithoutshelter.com

Refreshments will be provided after the discussion.

 image from Shelter Without Shelter showing a child standing at the water's edge looking out to sea

Annual Harrell-Bond Lecture

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.

Public Seminar Series

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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To keep up to date with our events and activities, sign up for email alerts from the RSC and Forced Migration Review, and connect with us on social media.

Forthcoming events

A celebration of the life of David Turton

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