Seminar: Ghanesiske migranters hjemkomst fra Libyen

TIME: Tuesday, 30 October, 14.00 – 15.45

VENUE: Danish Institute for International Studies, Nordskov Meeting Room, Wilders Plads 8H, 3rd floor, Christianshavn, 1401 Copenhagen K

TIME: Tuesday, 30 October, 14.00 – 15.45

VENUE: Danish Institute for International Studies, Nordskov Meeting Room, Wilders Plads 8H, 3rd floor, Christianshavn, 1401 Copenhagen K

When war broke out in Libya in 2011, an estimated 1.5 million labour migrants in the country were affected. Sub-Saharan migrants – widely accused of being Gaddafi’s mercenaries – found themselves in particularly difficult circumstances. The upheavals in Mali, following the return of Touareg armed groups, are well-known. But what is the situation in other African states?

This seminar examines the involuntary return of Ghanaians labour migrants from Libya. Following migrant appeals for help and mounting public pressure, Ghana engaged in rescue missions, bringing her nationals ‘back home’ from the war. By July 2012, more than 18,500 Ghanaian migrants had been repatriated to Ghana and registered by the authorities.

Other than that, state assistance has been very limited. The Ghanaian case raises questions concerning why and how the state respond to their migrant populations in times of crises. Which rationalities and technologies are state interventions based upon? And which historical and contemporary mobility regimes and political economy do they reflect?

Speakers:
– George Bob-Milliar, Visiting Researcher, DIIS
– Nauja Kleist, Senior Researcher, DIIS
– Finn Stepputat, Senior Researcher, DIIS

Programme:

14.00-14.15: Arrival and Coffee

14.15-14.25: Introduction; Nauja Kleist, Senior Researcher, DIIS

14.25-14.55: Rescuing Migrants in Libya: The Political Economy of State Responses to Migration Crisis – The Case of Ghana; George Bob-Milliar, Visiting Researcher, DIIS

14.55-15.05: Discussant; Finn Stepputat, Senior Researcher, DIIS

15.05-15.45: Open Discussion

Chair: Nauja Kleist, Senior Researcher, DIIS

The seminar will be held in English.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Read more about the seminar and use the online registration form on the website no later than Monday, 29 October at 12 noon.

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