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A podcast of this lecture is now available. 

ABSTRACT

The communities comprising the modern Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have a long history as refugee hosts. Currently, 20 per cent of the residents of Jordan are refugees and asylum seekers from all over the world. Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal examines the ways in which earlier refugee communities’ experience of displacement itself contributed to their integration within the developing Jordanian state. Princess Basma discusses the ways in which Jordan’s Circassian, Chechen and Armenian communities have negotiated different aspects of their specific identities and integrated in Jordan, considering the role of forced migration itself in creating identities. Jordan’s own experience demonstrates how policies that engage and include refugee communities can have positive outcomes for both sides, creating peaceful and productive coexistence.

About the speaker

For over thirty years, HRH Princess Basma bint Talal has worked nationally, regionally and internationally to promote a range of global issues, most notably in the areas of human development, gender equity, population, education, and the environment. She is particularly involved with supporting the implementation of sustainable development programmes that address the social and economic needs of marginalised groups, including refugees.

Princess Basma is Honorary Human Development Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). She is also a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Annual Elizabeth Colson Lecture

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

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.

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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