This two-part panel discussion will examine xenophobic and other bias-motivated violence that affects migrants, refugees, stateless and displaced persons around the world. Panelists will identify effective strategies for addressing these challenges, and discuss opportunities for greater U.S. engagement on these matters.
9:00am – 12:30pm
Coffee and a light breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30am
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Hosted by McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Federal Triangle Conference Room, Concourse Level
600 Thirteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005-3096
PROGRAM
Opening Remarks:
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Speakers: |
Elisa Massimino, CEO & President, Human Rights First |
Panel 1: Xenophobic Violence and Government Responses
In many regions of the world, refugees, migrants, stateless persons, and others viewed as “foreign” have been the targets of violent attacks. Xenophobic, racist, and other forms of bias-motivated violence have a crippling effect on the targeted communities. Panelists will discuss the problem of xenophobic violence, focusing on a few select countries in different parts of the world – Dominican Republic, Egypt, Libya, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, and elsewhere.
This panel will provide case studies of xenophobic violence, focusing in on a few select countries in different parts of the world – Dominican Republic, Egypt, Greece, Libya, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States – and also reflecting some of the national strategies and shortcomings in government responses. These case studies will be used to illustrate further actions that the U.S. and international organizations can take to support efforts to address xenophobic violence.
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Moderator: |
Sam Witten, Counsel, Arnold & Porter, and Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration (2007 – 2010) |
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Panelists: |
Vincent Cochetel, Regional Representative, UNHCR Regional Office for the United States and the Caribbean Duncan Breen, Senior Associate, Refugee Protection Program, Human Rights First Shaina Aber, Associate Advocacy Director, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA Paul LeGendre, Director of Fighting Discrimination Program, Human Rights First |
Panel 2: International Strategies for Responding to Xenophobic Violence
While States have the primary responsibility for addressing xenophobic violence, there are serious shortcomings in the responses of many governments. The international community has a role to play in pressing and assisting governments to enhance their responses. Panelists from the United States government and legislative bodies, UN agencies, and international organizations will discuss the strategies and responses of their respective institutions.
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Moderator: |
Tad Stahnke, Director of Policy & Programs, Human Rights First |
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Panelists: |
Vincent Cochetel, Regional Representative, UNHCR Regional Office for the United States and the Caribbean Mischa Thompson, Helsinki Commission Amy Kirkpatrick, Office of the Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs |