Who is a migrant? What is the difference between a migrant, an irregular migrant, an asylum seeker and a refugee? Why are so many people trying to enter Europe and what conditions do they face on this journey? What happens when people are refused asylum/ refugee status in Europe? How do migrants fare and face going home? These are some of the questions that will be explored in this talk about the current migration challenges facing us all as global citizens. Common misconceptions regarding migration will be explained in a critical discussion of migration drivers, routes, and challenges. Dr. Kuschminder’s lecture will be followed at 14.30 by a screening of the documentary film ‘Borders’ by Dutch documentary maker Jacqueline van Vugt and a panel debate at 16.00 on how people deal with the topic of migration. Dr. Kuschminder will also join the debate. (Location: Infocentrum Belvedere) This activity is part of the larger DocFest, the first cross-border documentary festival taking place in Maastricht on 18-19 September 2015. The lecture is free of charge for visitors with a film ticket.
More information about the event and the programme.
Dr. Katie Kuschminder is a Researcher and Migration Studies Project Manager at UNU-MERIT/ Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG). She has 10 years of research experience and has managed and worked on several migration projects funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection, German Development Cooperation, International Organization for Migration, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Most recently, Dr. Kuschminder has been the lead researcher on the Irregular Migrants Decision Making Factors in Transit study (results expected early 2016) and Comparative Research on Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration of Migrants project. Dr. Kuschminder teaches in the Master’s programme in Public Policy and Human Development and the Migration Management Diploma Programme at UNU-MERIT/MGSoG.
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