Refugees and Borders: Remapping the World We Think We Know

This free webinar begins with a virtual screening of Borderstory, a Worn Words short documentary and dialogue-opener about what the word ‘border’ means to us. Following the film, cross-sector experts will engage questions as part of a panel discussion on the word ‘border’ and give concrete suggestions for policy and law. Participants are invited to ask honest questions and participate in dialogue based on personal experience and collective curiosity. As global and country citizens, we’ll imagine incremental ways our idea of ‘border” can increasingly become more human-centred and benefit the safety needs of people seeking refuge while honouring the practical need for boundaries.

Moderator

The event will be moderated by Saleem Spindari, Senior Manager of the Refugees and Migrant Workers Programs at MOSAIC.

Panellists:

Hassan Al Kontar – known as the Man from the Airport, a former Syrian refugee living in Canada, and refugee activist (bio l Twitter: @Kontar81)

Efrat Arbel – UBC law professor, examines legal rights in liminal spaces like borders, detention centres, and prisons (bio l Twitter: @earbel)

Kristi Pinderi – LGBTQ+ Support Worker at DIVERSEcity and refugee advocate / activist living in Metro Vancouver (bio | Twitter: @KristPinderi )

Edward Alden – American journalist, author, and the Bernard L. Schwartz senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (bio l Twitter: @edwardalden)

Carlo Handy Charles – Doctoral scholar researching migration, sexuality, and race at McMaster University and Université des Antilles (bio l Twitter: @carlo_handy)

Virtual Event Platform

This event is being held online as a Zoom Video Webinar. Please refer to Zoom’s privacy policy before registering for the event.

Attendees will receive an email with the link to join the webinar prior to the event.

Questions?

Please contact [email protected].

This Kinbrace inspired event is co-hosted by the University of British Columbia, MOSAIC and Journey Home Community Association, with thanks to the UBC Community Engagement Partnership Recognition Fund, Vancity, and generous co-sponsors.