The Middle East Migration Crisis – Genesis and Responses

The Initiatives of Change and Next Century Foundation is holding a conference on ‘The Middle East Migration Crisis – Genesis and Responses‘ from 20-23 June 2016.

The programme:

  • Day 1: LIBYA

9.00am – 1pm: Libya – The Situation and Way Forward
1.45pm – 5.30pm: Migration Through Libya From Africa – its Genesis and Creative Responses Among Host Communities

  • DAY 2: AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ

9.00am – 1pm: Afghanistan – The Situation and Way Forward
1.45pm – 5.30pm: Iraq – The Situation and Way Forward

  • DAY 3: SYRIA

9.00am – 1pm: Syria – The Situation and Way Forward
1.45pm – 5.30pm: Humanitarian Responses to Communities Under Threat and Refugees as Rebuilders

  • DAY 4: IDEOLOGIES

9.00am – 1pm: Extremism and its Alternatives; Countering Anti-Muslim Xenophobia in the West
1.45pm – 5.30pm: Challenging ISIS Ideology; Building Trust between the Muslim World and the West through Improved Responses to Extremism and Xenophobia

The first three days will focus on Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The day will start with an in-depth examination of what has brought about the situation in that country. Speakers will include experts from within and outside the country as well as hearing from refugees. The second session will address current in-country and international initiatives. These sessions, as well as lunchtime working group meetings, will inform participants about what is happening on the ground.

This knowledge will equip them to engage in solution-focused sessions in the afternoon. The first of these will look at what can be done in country, and the second at what can be done in the UK and other host nations. Experts will describe current humanitarian responses, and refugees living in the UK will share their experiences of such interventions. Participants will be challenged to evaluate what a ‘good response’ from a host nation might be.

The fourth day will look at the ideologies that have contributed to the crisis. Once again, it will start with information and analysis from experts in the field and move on later in the day to look of what is being done, or contemplated, to counter these ideologies.

Each of the four days will finish with an optional session of facilitated quiet time and sharing.