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Recent International Coverage of Migration
Migration Research Center at Koç University

Migration Research Center at Koç University

International Press Reader
 September 25-October 7, 2016

A still from "The New Europeans: Voices from a Changing Continent", a series of portraits by National Geographic.
MIREKOC SEMINAR SERIES IS BACK!

The MiReKoç seminar series is back! We are happy to invite you to join us for our first luncheon seminar of the year on Wednesday October 26, The Relational Network Characteristics of Sharing Conflict Rumors in Syria by Justin Schon (Indiana University Bloomington/Koç University). The presentation and discussion will take place at noon in CSSH meeting room, SOS 143.

There is still a very limited amount of spots available to present your research and exchange ideas with fellow MiReKoç members. Presentations will include but not limited to topics like Turkish migration and asylum policies, governance of irregular migration, transit migration, diaspora politics, intermarriages, migrants’ social security rights, refugee activism, etc. Seminars include a 30-minute presentation follow by one hour of Q&A. Please contact eirgil@ku.edu.tr for further information.

MIGRATION THIS WEEK

A collection of news articles, op-eds and thinkpieces on migration

"Refugee referendum" in Hungary

On Sunday October 2, the controversial Hungarian referendum promoted PM Viktor Orban was declared null and void after less than half of the population casted their vote on the EU refugee quotas (a mere 1294 for Hungary). Even though 98% voted against the admission of refugees to Hungary, the low turnout rendered the result invalid. The referendum has ignited calls around Europe for more national autonomy on migration issues and was as much about the future of Europe as the future of Hungary. With the referendum crushed, Orban will have to reconsider his “cultural counter-revolution in liberal Europe”.

Afghanistan and EU sign controversial agreement

The EU and Afghanistan have signed a readmission agreement that allows member states to deport an unlimited number of Afghan asylum seekers. Both sides have also agreed to build a terminal at Kabul airport, designated for the deportations. The deal has been widely criticized amidst rumors that the EU allegedly threatened to cut off aid if the Afghan government did not accept the proposal.

The agreement is another step in the EU's intensifying efforts to keep migrants out of its borders. A recent report by Amnesty International reveals that ten countries host more than half of the world’s refugees. AI particularly criticizes rich, Western countries such as the United Kingdom, for not taking in more asylum seekers and effectively driving them to unsafe, hazardous journeys.

From states to cities: Managing urban migration

With national governments failing to take responsibility in migration management, cities are picking up and showing initiative, such as the case of Barcelona, where mayor Ada Colau is promoting the idea of “refugee cities”. While cities in the U.S. have relative freedom in migration policy, for cities to truly take lead, a shift in practices as well as discourse is needed, Charlie Sorrel argues.

Today, a lot of the work falls on local authorities, who need to be given greater voice in decision-making, and humanitarian organizations, which have focused their attention on legal recognition and protection. The Urban Institute encourages a shift from person to place, and to take advantage of urban resources and opportunities.  A recent Brookings Institute report examines the case of Germany, where local governments respond to the needs of incoming migrants, and reveals the challenges and opportunities for cities across the world.

With more refugees living outside camps and in urban centers, Open Democracy has issued a special theme, "Cities of welcome, cities of transit", following a conference with the same title last summer.

Refugee children at school

In Greece and Italy, families’ xenophobia is entering the classroom, threatening migrant children’s right to education. In Greece, a proposal to allow refugee children to attend public school is raising protest from parents, whereas migrant children in Italy have been ordered to use separate bathrooms.

OPPORTUNITIES AND PUBLICATIONS
OPPORTUNITIES
 
CALL FOR PAPERS: movements journal, Turkey’s changing migration regime and its global and regional dynamics

Issue 3(2) of the journal movements will focus on Turkey’s role and positionality within international migration movements and the institutional, political, economic and social aspects of the contemporary Turkish migration regime. Contributions are not limited to academic articles, and activists are encouraged to send submissions.

The deadline to submit abstracts is approaching quickly on October 16.
 

CALL FOR PAPERS: IMISCOE Annual Conference, “Migration, Diversity and the City

The 2017 IMISCOE Conference, to take place on 28-30 June, turns its focus to the urban dimensions of migration. The organizers are now welcoming submissions for individual papers, panel proposals and workshops.

Application deadline: December 15.

PUBLICATIONS

Check out the latest issue of “Immigrants and Minorities: Historical Studies in Migration, Ethnicity and Diaspora”.

About MiReKoç

Migration Research Center at Koç University (MiReKoc) was established in August 2004 as a grant-giving program by the joint initiation of Koç University (Istanbul) and the Foundation for Population, Migration, and Environment (PME, Zurich).

As of 2010 MiReKoc has become a fully functioning research center aimed at developing the research capacity to address migration issues in Turkey.

In addition to being an institutionalized hub for Turkey-related migration research, MiReKoc also initiates conferences, workshops, meetings and seminars aimed at engaging students, academics, bureaucrats, policymakers, stakeholders and civil society organizations (CSO).

Copyright © 2016 Migration Research Center at Koç University, All rights reserved.


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