This event marks the release of a new report "Protecting Women and Girls in Refugee Camps" produced by LSE students for the Centre for Women, Peace and Security. It is hosted by Garden Court Chambers in collaboration with the Gendered Peace project
Today close to 20 million refugees continue to live in camps. Refugee camps the world over are inhabited by people who have fled their homes for fear of persecution and war-related violence. Those forced to live in such camps lead a precarious existence. Insecurity is often the norm and living conditions can be harsh and dangerous. This is particularly so in the informal camps that are set up by refugees themselves in many European companies. This event will bring together those who have firsthand experience working in refugee camps, legal practitioners who have represented those seeking safe passage and protection in the UK as well as academics to discuss current challenges, both legal and practical.
The protection needs of refugee women and girls in camps often differ significantly from those of men and boys. While steps are beginning to be taken by states to address the specific gender dimensions of forced displacement, much more must be done. The report highlights some of the key issues facing female refugees in camps and identifies some of the core international human rights obligations of States toward those who live in camps within the State’s territory and/or jurisdiction.
This event is open to all and free to attend but space is limited. Register to attend by emailing s.a.labenski@lse.ac.uk
Speakers
Elizabeth Donnelly, co-author of the report "Protecting Women and Girls in Refugee Camps". Elizabeth is currently the Judicial Assistant to the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice McCombe at the Court of Appeal. She holds a Master's degree in Public International Law from the London School of Economics, a degree in Law from BPP University, and a degree in Modern Languages from the University of Cambridge.
Beth Gardiner Smith, CEO of Safe Passage - Safe Passage is an organisation that works to assist unaccompanied children and vulnerable adults to access safe and legal routes to protection within Europe. Prior to joining Safe Passage Beth worked as an advisor to senior politicians and organised the successful campaign on the 'Dubs' amendment
Rebecca Chapman, Barrister at Garden Court Chambers - Rebecca is on the executive committee of RLS Athens, a charity providing free legal advice and representation to asylum seekers in Athens and those seeking family reunion within Europe.
Mark Scott, Solicitor at Bhatt Murphy Solicitors - Mark has worked extensively with others on land mark litigation establishing rights of family reunion for unaccompanied child asylum seekers and other vulnerable adults in Europe.
Ian Shaw is a broadcaster, writer, performer and a trustee of the charity, Side By Side With Refugees, who worked on the ground in the Calais jungle since September, 2015. Their work continues, alongside Paris Refugee Ground Support, Utopia and Donate4Refugees.
Stephanie Harrison QC (chair) is a Barrister Garden Court Chambers. Stephanie Harrison QC is a leading human rights lawyer specialising in immigration, asylum and anti-discrimination law. She has been at the forefront of test cases on the rights of women in asylum and international protection system. She has been instrumental in legal challenges to the abusive use of immigration detention including against women, children and other vulnerable groups such as victims of torture, human trafficking and those suffering from serious mental illness.