Summary of the Seminar Series on Migration and Refuge 2023-2024

During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Chair of Refugees at Comillas Pontifical University held a series of six seminars on migration and refugee issues. With a periodicity of six sessions per year, these seminars are based on specific research topics and relevant literature, generating open and enriching discussions. Seminar participants come from diverse backgrounds, including academia, social organisations and the institutional sector.

The first seminar, "Migrants and Refugees beyond the news", was held on 26 October 2023 and featured Carlos Arcila, Javier Amores and Ricardo Cana, with Cecilia Estrada Villaseñor as moderator. On 30 November 2023, Felipe González addressed the topic of "Human Rights in the context of forced migration and refuge", moderated by Valeria Méndez de Vigo.

On 14 December 2023, Margarita de la Rasilla from UNHCR and Clara Esteban from ENTRECULTURAS presented on "Refugee children: context and current challenges". In 2024, the seminars continued with "Mental health in refugee population" on 8 February, by Rosario Suárez from JRS and Mariángeles Plaza from CEAR, moderated by Ángela Ordóñez.

On 14 March 2024, Filippa Iraizoz from Diaconía, Ernesto Fiochetto from FIU and Patricia Fernández Vicens from ICAM-Entrevías discussed "International protection in the context of human trafficking", moderated by Raquel Verdasco. Finally, on 25 April 2024, Juan Castillo from IUEM Comillas Pontifical University, Gennaro Avallone from the University of Salerno and Kamila Fiałkowska from the University of Warsaw discussed "Migrant labour in agriculture in the post-pandemic period" in Spain, Italy and Poland, moderated by Yoan Molinero.

These seminars provided a platform to delve into critical issues related to migration and refugee issues, promoting a space for exchange and learning. The speakers, experts in their respective fields, shared research and experiences that enriched the audience's understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these contexts.

For more information on these seminars and to access the recordings, visit the Refugee Chair website.

Don't miss the opportunity to continue learning about these important issues!