Global Refugees, Fortress Europe, and the Crime of Caring

The Islamic World, in its broadest sense, stands at the epicenter of the world's largest refugee crisis, driven by people escaping war, state oppression, persecution, natural disasters, hunger, poverty, and the effects of climate change. To those hailing from the Global South, Europe represents a beacon of hope, promising financial stability and physical security. However, European nations, perceiving this influx of migrants as an invasion, have fortified their borders both legally and coercively, weaponizing the Mediterranean Sea and strategic border points to bar entry into continental Europe.

The consequence of closed European doors to people from the Global South has led to an unexpected trend: the quest for sanctuary in less-publicized much more far-off destinations, such as South Korea.

In this panel discussion, three scholars spanning the fields of Politics, Sociology, History, and Anthropology, plus an overseas scholar from South Korea will delve into global profit systems and imperial rivalries that have ravaged Middle Eastern, African, and Afghan regions. Climate change, compounded by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine proxy war, driven by geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, have lately exacerbated food insecurity and even famine in Global South countries. In the face of extreme adversity, the movement of vulnerable populations is increasingly met with restriction and even criminalization. Governments target not only migrants and refugees but also individuals and organizations dedicated to rescuing them at sea or providing life-saving aid. At a time when urgent action is imperative to mitigate violence and poverty and safeguard at-risk populations, the hazards of seeking safety are amplified.

Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these intricate and pressing questions concerning human survival in some of the world's most vulnerable regions. Hear about the courageous individuals who risk their lives and personal freedom to aid those desperately seeking shelter along this frontier of global migration.

Speakers:  Dr. Alfred Babo, Dr. Janie Leatherman, Dr. Silvia Marsans-Sakly, and special guest, Dr. Seo Yeon Park, Director, ANSAN Multicultural Library, Republic of Korea

Pizza and refreshments will be served. This event has received FYE INSPIRE credit. 

Event is Co-sponsored by the Humanities Institute, History Department, Sociology & Anthropology Department and Islamic World Studies.

For further information, please contact Dr. Silvia Marsans-Sakly  smarsans-sakly@fairfield.edu.