With great joy and feeling very honoured I am announcing my participation on the 5th Conference of The German Network for Forced Migration Studies.
The German Network for Forced Migration Studies (Netzwerk Fluchtforschung e.V.) is a multi-disciplinary network of academics in Germany whose research focuses on forced migration, refuge, and asylum, as well as of international academics concentrating on these subjects with regard to Germany.
The German Network for Forced Migration Studies organizes a conference every 2 years, which serves as a central forum for German research on flight and refugees as well as for international exchange.
The aim of this years Conference, as the organizers say in their page, is :
[…] to shed light on the global, regional and local contexts of forced migration and displacement, including the causes and trends that force people into mobility, but also immobility. Contributions to the Conference may address a variety of issues, such as the geopolitical, economic, social and other factors that contribute to forced displacement worldwide. Case studies from different countries, regions and communities can show how different actors are responding to migration and what strategies have been developed to address the challenges of forced migration and displacement.
The Conference will also look at the challenges and obstacles faced by refugees and their host communities, as well as the positive impacts that immigration can have. These include issues of integration, social justice, access to education and adequate health care, as well as issues related to the protection of human rights. Gender-critical, queer and post/de-colonial perspectives are particularly welcome, as are reflections on ethical dimensions, research-reflective contributions and discourse-analytical approaches that illuminate the interrelationships between media, politics, civil society and academia. In addition, contributions may address the role of the media in producing discourses of forced migration and integration, how these influence policy and practice, and how academics position themselves in this regard. Finally, the Conference will look at best practices and innovative solutions that address global refugee movements, including initiatives and strategies from policy, civil society, education and research. In particular, the Conference aims to highlight the role of refugee organisations and their important role in the further development of the global refugee protection system to adequately take into account refugees and their perspectives.
https://fluchtforschung.net/veranstaltungen/5th-conference-of-the-german-network-for-forced-migration/
As I said I am feeling deeply honoured thats why I have prepared a video in instagram about the conference.
Here is what I am saying there
It is an incredible honor to be invited to cover the 5th Conference of the Network of Refugee Researchers in Germany, an event that is more than just a gathering of experts—it’s a powerful platform for driving change and deepening our collective understanding of forced migration and refugee issues. This year’s conference, held in Bonn from September 16-18, 2024, is particularly significant as it emphasizes the inclusion of voices from refugee and migrant communities, particularly those with media and journalism backgrounds.
The organizers, including the Forced Migration and Refugee Studies (FFVT) Project and the European Coalition of Migrants and Refugees (EUCOMAR), have made a concerted effort to bring in journalists who are not only reporting on these issues but are also living them. This initiative reflects a growing recognition that those who have experienced displacement firsthand bring a crucial perspective to the conversation—a perspective that is essential for meaningful and impactful discourse.
As a journalist, this invitation represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a global dialogue on forced migration by highlighting stories that might otherwise go unheard. The conference is a vital space for networking, sharing knowledge, and fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between research, policy, and lived experiences.
In Germany, where the importance of understanding forced migration has never been greater, the FFVT Project plays a critical role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge between experts from around the world. By supporting structures that promote research and by encouraging equal partnerships with displaced individuals and scholars from the Global South, the FFVT Project is helping to build a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to refugee studies.
The conference also features an array of formats and activities designed to enhance international cooperation and multidisciplinary collaboration. Whether it’s through workshops, panel discussions, or the sharing of new research, each session is crafted to push the boundaries of current understanding and to inspire new solutions to the challenges faced by refugees today.
For me, being part of this event is not just about covering the conference—it’s about being a part of a movement. A movement that seeks to elevate refugee voices, foster greater understanding, and ultimately, to drive change. I’m excited to bring my skills and experience to the table, and I look forward to contributing to this important and timely conversation.
This is more than just an invitation; it’s a call to action, and I am eager to rise to the occasion.
Seedy Saidykhan
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_kO3aGtt4x/?igsh=MTVmbGhhbHV4eDh0Mg%3D%3
The program of the conference you can find it here
I would be happy to see you around, if you can make it and talk with you.
