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Refugees given a positive image at Sussex conference


* 18 June 2003 *

Refugees given a positive image at Sussex conference

A conference exploring refugee experiences in Sussex takes place at the University of Sussex on Saturday, June 21, to mark national Refugee Week (June 16 - 22).

Speakers from local groups, including Brighton and Hove Refugee Forum and Saltdean for Tolerance and Respect, will be discussing issues facing asylum seekers at the event hosted by the Sussex Centre for Migration Research.

Organiser Dr Michael Collyer, a research fellow in geography at the University of Sussex, said the aim of day, entitled Sanctuary by the Sea?, was to give a more positive image of asylum seekers.

He said:  "Ever since refugees arrived from revolutionary France at the end of the 18th century Sussex has played a unique role in welcoming people fleeing persecution. Sussex currently receives very few refugees due to its proximity to London, but the most recent changes in legislation will affect their profile.  This event will be examining how they are currently provided for, and what may need to change in the future."

The day will begin with a discussion looking at the history and experience of refugee settlements and service provision in Sussex.  There will also be workshops on refugee women, the representation of refugees in art and the role of research. And there will be a round-table discussion with local MPs and service providers addressing the county of Sussex's role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

Admission to the conference, which will be held in The Meeting House at the University of Sussex from 10am-4.30pm, is free.

For more information, contact Dr Michael Collyer at M.Collyer@sussex.ac.uk,
Tel. 01273 872772.




* Notes for editors *

Press Office contacts: Jacqui Bealing or Peter Simmons, University of Sussex,
Tel. 01273 678888, Fax 01273 877456, J.A.Bealing@sussex.ac.uk or P.J.Simmons@sussex.ac.uk.

Website: www.sussex.ac.uk




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