The Committee on International Refugee Law is concerned with the fundamental human rights of refugees around the world. International, regional and national laws give refugees a wide range of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights, from non-refoulement (the right not to be returned to a country where they fear persecution), to freedom from discrimination, to the right to work. In practice, however, refugees rarely are able to assert these rights.
The Committee seeks to educate its members and the public about these issues, to foster critical discussion toward a greater realization of refugee rights, and to stimulate legal and policy advocacy on behalf of refugees worldwide. To effect these goals, the Committee seeks to host programs and conferences; advise section members on news and legal developments; issue written comments and analyses on the implications of U.S. laws and policies for international refugee rights; provide networking opportunities; participate in governmental and international forums; and otherwise promote refugee rights at the international level.
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| | Committee Events |
The Syrian Refugee Crisis: Perspectives from the the US, UN, and Civil Society March 8, 2013 | | As the Syrian revolution continues and attacks on civilian areas continue, the refugee crisis is deteriorating rapidly, with some reports of thousands of refugees leaving Syria daily. Refugees encounter tremendous difficulties and are forced helplessly to abandon their homes for camps in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and elsewhere. The situation is also becoming increasingly burdensome on the host countries. On this teleconference, expert speakers from various sectors will discuss both the facts on the ground, and the policy implications of the crisis. This is a free teleconference for members of the sponsoring committees, section and ABA members, and anyone else, but registration is required. Moderator: Meera Shah, Harvard Law School Human Rights Program Speakers: - Zaid Hydari, Helsinki Citizens Assembly - Jana Mason, United Nations High Commission on Refugees - Jennifer Williams, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, U.S. Department of State - TBA, Syrian Refugee Activist |
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| Section Events |
June 17, 2013
Location: N/A
Format: Webinar/Teleconference
June 19, 2013 - June 21, 2013 Capital Hilton Hotel Washington,
DC
Format: Live/In-Person
June 19, 2013
Location: N/A
Format: Webinar/Teleconference |
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