The impacts of the COVID-19 upon the refugee and migrant crisis will be discussed by a panel of four experts in the field.
As the border lockdowns brought on by the spread of COVID-19 have begun to ease, the persisting refugee and migrant crisis that began prior to the pandemic is expected to complicate the delicate balance countries have found in combating the spread of the virus. As such this may cause increased tensions surrounding already stigmatized migrant and refugee camps, potentially causing one crisis to deepen the other. This panel looks to provide a platform for the intricacies of this dilemma to be discussed.
Panelists
Myra Dahgaypaw has worked as a human rights advocate at the United Nations with the Burma Fund United Nations Office. Prior to taking on the managing director position, she fulfilled the roles of campaign coordinator and policy advisor at the U.S Campaign for Burma.
Dan Sullivan is the senior advocate for human rights at Refugees International. Dan focuses on Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan, and other areas affected by mass displacement.
Niemat Ahmadi is a native of North Darfur, and serves as Founder and President of Darfur Women Action Group. She previously worked as the Director of Global Partnerships for United to End Genocide.
Yasmine Taeb serves as Senior Policy Counsel for Demand Progress. She's an experienced human rights lobbyist and previously served as Senior Policy Counsel at the Center for Victims of Torture directing the organization's advocacy on refugees and asylum seekers.
Moderator
Mac Hamilton is a second year international masters student in security, intelligence (IMSISS), and strategic studies focusing on peace and security in Africa and the Middle East. Prior to joining IMSISS, Mac was the Youth Coordinator for the Aegis Trust, where she managed STAND: The Student-Led Movement to End Mass Atrocities.