http://e8-creative.com/proofs/ALDemails/2016/ALD_2016.html

In an effort to enhance understanding of the dynamics of the recent flows of people from Africa and the Middle East to Europe, we will explore the historical roots and global dimensions of this explosion of forced migration and human trafficking. We will also discuss the conditions that permit the persistence of slavery in our times, and learn how we can act to alleviate those conditions.

SPONSORS: Alison Des Forges Memorial Committee; University at Buffalo Asian Studies Program, Community for Global Health Equity, Departments of Comparative Literature, History and Political Science, Humanities Institute, Department of Philosophy Samuel P. Capen Chair, and Office of the Vice Provost for International Education CO-SPONSOR: University at Buffalo School of Social Work

This symposium honors the life and work of human rights advocate Alison Des Forges. For more information, please email Roger Des Forges at rvd@buffalo.edu, Ellen Dussourd at dussourd@buffalo.edu or Shaun Irlam at irlam@buffalo.edu

SCHEDULE)

9:00                 Registration and Welcoming Remarks

9:30-12:00       From the Middle East and Africa to Europe

“Drivers of Displacement: How War, Repression, Terror and Neglect led to Europe’s Refugee Catastrophe”

Joe Stork, Deputy Director, Middle East and North Africa, Human Rights Watch

“Understanding Migration from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe: Might Efforts to Stem the Flow Work?”

Karen Jacobsen, Acting Director, Feinstein International Center, Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy and Associate Research Professor, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University

“Refugees Welcome? How Europe’s Incoherent Policy, Scapegoating, and Exploitation of Terrorism Have Failed Refugees”

Julia Hall, Amnesty International’s expert on criminal justice, counter-terrorism and human rights in Europe and Central Asia

12:00-1:00       Lunch

1:00-3:30         Within Africa and From Africa to North America

“Fighting Slavery from the Grassroots Up”

Karen Stauss, Director of Programs, Free the Slaves

“The Holistic Protection and Empowerment of Children in Ghana”

James Kofi Annan, President of Challenging Heights, Ghana

“From Cameroon to the U.S. and From Slavery to Freedom”

Evelyn Chumbow, Survivor of and Activist against Human Trafficking

3:30-4:00         Local Perspectives and Wrap-Up General Discussion

                        Amy Fleischauer, Director, Survivor Support Services, International Institute of Buffalo