Heythrop lecture to challenge current views on refugees

One of the foremost authorities on international refugee law will be arguing against the idea that refugeehood is 'a problem that can be cured', in a lecture in London on 17 October. James C Hathaway, Professor of Law and Director of the Program in Refugee and Asylum Law at the University of Michigan Law School, will be the guest of the Heythrop Institute for Religion, Ethics & Public Life, Centre for the Study of Human Rights at the London School of Economics, and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS UK). In his lecture entitled: Refugee Solutions or Solutions to Refugehood?' he will be challenging current policies regarding refugees, arguing that they should be implemented in a way that ensures refugees true dignity and quality of life for as long as it takes them to decide for themselves how best to cope, to respond, and to rebuild their lives. James Hanvey, Director of the Heythrop Institute comments: "Official rhetoric emphasizes 'durable solutions' to refugeehood, particularly vigorous promotion of 'voluntary repatriation.' This is an opportunity to deepen understanding of the impact of current policies " Louise Zanre, Director of JRS UK adds: "Professor James Hathaway is one of the leading experts internationally on refugee law and rights. His commitment is outstanding and he is greatly respected for driving forward thinking around refugee rights" The lecture takes place on Tuesday 17 October 2006 at 1.15pm at the Shaw Library at the London School of Economics, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis. Find out more at www.heythrop.ac.uk/HIREPL or ring Moyra Tourlamain on 0207 795 4244