Seminar: Urbanisering, repatriering og humanitære udfordringer

Time: Thursday, 5 May at 14 – 16 hours

Venue: Danish Institute for International Studies, Main Auditorium, ground floor, Strandgade 71, Christianshavn, 1401 Copenhagen K

Background

The phenomenon of rapid and uncontrolled urbanisation in developing countries is increasingly threatening the well-being and the development opportunities of millions of city dwellers.

Time: Thursday, 5 May at 14 – 16 hours

Venue: Danish Institute for International Studies, Main Auditorium, ground floor, Strandgade 71, Christianshavn, 1401 Copenhagen K

Background

The phenomenon of rapid and uncontrolled urbanisation in developing countries is increasingly threatening the well-being and the development opportunities of millions of city dwellers.

The factors influencing dramatic population growth are complex and multi-factored. A prominent feature is forced displacement triggered by armed conflict, situations of generalised violence and political instability, and slow and sudden-onset disasters – or a combination of these factors.

There are also broader ‘push factors’ at play, which include lack of livelihood options and inadequate access to or availability of essential services.

Furthermore, it is often the case that, like other migrants, internally displaced persons (IDP) and refugees are attracted to urban areas because of the perceived availability and better quality of basic services and livelihood opportunities, the chance to live in proximity to their family members and increased security through anonymity in the urban space.

Many of the growing numbers of poor and vulnerable urban dwellers live in abject poverty, are vulnerable to a range of daily threats to their physical and mental wellbeing, and face acute challenges in relation to access to livelihoods, basic services and land.

Despite this, the predominant focus and mode of international aid continues to be focused on rural areas and largely ignores urban-based populations, while the strategies and approaches that are best suited to address their assistance and protection needs are still poorly understood.

SPEAKERS
* Ellen Martin, Research Officer, ODI
* Bram Jansen, PhD Candidate, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
* Simon Turner, Senior Researcher, DIIS

PROGRAMME
14.00-14.10
Introduction – Simon Turner, Senior Researcher, DIIS

14.10-14.40
Displacement and Urban Livelihoods – Policies and Realities – Ellen Martin, Research Officer, ODI

14.40-15.10
The Politics of Negotiating Return in Sudan – Bram Jansen, PhD Candidate, Wageningen University, The Netherlands

15.10-15.30
Coffee Break

15.30-16.00
Open Discussion

Chair: Simon Turner, Senior Researcher, DIIS

The seminar will be held in English.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Please use the online registration form.

And do so no later than Wednesday 4 Mayl at 12.00 noon.

Please await confirmation by e-mail from DIIS for participation.

Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), The Conference Section, Strandgade 56, 1401 Kbn K, tlf. 32 69 87 51, e-mail: [email protected] og web: www.diis.