Amanda Jones
21 July 2016: University of Canberra students will discuss the political, social, financial and humanitarian implications of the global refugee crisis in a new unit which started last week.
The unit 'World Refugee Crisis in Action' is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students and focuses on contemporary refugee issues through a series of guest lectures, presentations and panel discussions.
"This is a really complex, global issue and there are no easy solutions," University of Canberra associate dean (education) and unit convenor Scott Pearsall said.
"We are drawing on the firsthand expertise and experiences of people from refugees, migration and refugee support organisations, government, diplomatic staff and leading academics who all bring different perspectives to the table," Mr Pearsall, who specialises in refugee law, said.
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The unit World Refugee Crisis in Action will focus on contemporary refugee issues through a series of guest lectures, presentations and panel discussions. Photo: Adobe Stock.
University of Canberra academics will also examine a range of current issues involving asylum seekers, including Brexit, national security, refugee law policy, disclosure and confidentiality and the impact of increased refugee arrivals on unemployment and wages.
"Brexit clearly demonstrates that concerns about asylum seekers are an issue for citizens in many western countries and have been a catalyst for the emergence of populist political parties in many countries. In Australia, issues of asylum seekers have been, and continue to be, a contentious political topic," Mr Pearsall added.
University of Canberra alumnus Khosro Ahmad who was born in Iran where his parents were in exile from Iraq, will also share his experiences being a refugee.
"I hope to shed light on what refugees go through and why people are forced to leave their country," Dr Ahmad, who moved to Australia in 2007, said.
The 32-year-old, who graduated with a Professional Doctorate in Business Administration in 2013, hopes his journey will help educate others on the plight of refugees.
World Refugee Crisis in Action is a special offering of the Current Legal Issues unit and runs from 14-23 July.
