You are cordially invited to a round table discussion
hosted by the Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy on
“Environmental aspects of the Global Refugee Crisis"
15 December 2015, (Tuesday), at 2:00 p.m.
Budapest, Nádor utca 9, Popper room
Abstract: This is a rare opportunity to bring together academics (from CEU), practitioners (from FAO and Red Cross) and representatives of migrant NGOs. The discussion will focus on the relationship of ecological factors impacting the refugee crisis. Factors such as drought, famine, earthquakes, water shortages can lead to exodus of refugees. The panel will also reflect upon the public health and nutrition aspects of refugee treatment during the crisis- (conditions in refugee camps, provision of food, water and health services, etc.). Recent research undertaken by International Organization for Migration and other international organizations as well as academics supports the vision of “ecological refugees” as mostly the consequence of the inability of governments to deal with socio-economic and ecological problems. At the same time there is some evidence that the current refugee crisis in Syria is linked with multi-year drought in 2007-2010 that provoked migration from rural areas to cities and created critical mass of rural poor before the political crisis that started in 2011.
Come and take part in the discussion!
Participants and presenters:
Chair - Prof. Ruben Mnatsakanian - Head of CEU Environmental Sciences and Policy Department
Dr. Simon Missiri - Director, European Regional Directorate of Red Cross/Red Crescent International
Mrs. Borbala Bodolay - Senior Officer, Migration Department, Red Cross/Red Crescent International
Dr. Irina Molodikova - Post-Soviet Migration Project, CEU
Stephen Stec, J.D. - lecturer, Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, CEU
Ms. Olga Buto - Professional Officer (Climate Change), FAO UN European Regional Office
Ms. Mirian Ekiudoko - President,“Ebony”(African Cultural, Arts and Human Rights NGO in Budapest)
Dr. Marianna Kármán - Ibn Khaldún Alapítvány (Muslim Foundation in Budapest)
