The conference kicks off this morning with an opening plenary by Jeff Crisp, Senior Director for Policy and Advocacy at Refugees International, titled, 'In search of solutions: refugees are doing it for themselves'. In what promises to be a fascinating talk, Jeff will draw from first-hand experience of refugee situations and humanitarian operations in more than 60 countries around the world.
After the opening plenary, there will be three sessions today featuring 11 exciting panels on varied and interesting topics including asylum, statelessness, cultural expression, new media and history and memory. The conference continues tomorrow with a further 12 panels across three sessions as well as a closing artist session featuring discussions with several artists and photographers whose work will be on display throughout the event.
A focus on Burma over three different panels, supported by a series of articles starting today on openDemocracy, will bring together refugee community representatives, leading civil society activists from the southeast Asian region and others to examine the current political environment inside Myanmar and the implications for refugees and the internally displaced.
Take a look at the following links to stay on top of conference activities and preview some of the work that will be on display:
- View the online programme for a full listing of conference activities
- Follow #refugeevoices on Twitter for live updates
- Preview the UNRWA photo exhibition 'Clothes line' (Facebook)
- Take a look at Steve Rubin's photo gallery at Chin Seeking Refuge
[Video: 'Dance on the Roof' – 1st prize winner in the film category of the UNRWA 'Clothes line' competition. Entries to the photo competition will be on display throughout the conference]