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

PROGRAM

A full program with a summary of each presentation and biographical details of each speaker is available here. The Symposium poster is available here.

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, Challenging Heights, Ghana

From Cameroon to the U.S. and From Slavery to Freedom
Evelyn Chumbow, Survivor Activist of Anti-Human Trafficking

3:30 Local Perspectives and Wrap up General Discussion

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

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, Office of the Vice Provost for International Education.  Cosponsors: University at Buffalo School of Social Work.

This symposium honors the life and work of human rights activist Alison Des Forges (1942-2009). For more information, email Roger Des Forges at rvd@buffalo.edu, Ellen Dussourd at dussourd@buffalo.edu or Shaun Irlam at irlam@buffalo.edu.