The “refugee problem” has been all over the news recently, but what image comes to you when you hear the word “refugee”?
According to data released by The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on “world refugee day” (June 20th) last year, the number of refugees in the world today is greater than any time since the Second World War at over 65,300,000 people. Within this astounding number, Syria is the country with the largest amount of refugees. Of the population of 22,000,000 over 4,800,000 have fled the country and another 7,700,000 are displaced within it, meaning half of the Syrian population have become refugees.
Being separated from our homes and cultures, losing families and friends in front of our eyes, for those of us living far away and watching through the news it is difficult to imagine the reality of these events.
Now at the ICC, we have been able to invite Mr. Yasser Jamal Al Deen, one of six Syrians who have been recognised as refugees in Japan, to give a presentation about Syria’s current situation and his experience of arriving in Japan and applying for refugee status. Hearing his real voice should make us realise that “refugees” are not a far away problem we can simply support from our sofas but a real and present issue that is close to us all and that we can take action to help.
Those who are interested in Syrian and international issues, and those who want to know more about them, please join us!
◆Guest Profile: Mr. Yasser Jamal Al Deen◆
24 years old, born in Damascus. Majored in English Literature at Damascus University but fled Syria in February 2013 with his mother and sister due to the escalating Syrian Civil War. Thanks to the help of relatives he arrived in Japan in October 2013. After a 1 and a half year wait he received recognition of refugee status from the Japanese government in late 2014. Plans to continue his studies and attend Meiji University from April 2017. While striving hard to learn Japanese he continues to support the activities of the “White Heart for Syria” refugee support organisation, which connects people still displaced inside Syria who need assistance living through the civil war.
Date
May 19th 2017 (Fri)
Time
18:15~19:50pm(Doors Open: 18:00pm)
Place
Okuma Garden House (Bldg.25), 1st Floor
Participants
Waseda Students, Staff and General Public
Language
English ★With consecutive Japanese interpretation
Cost
Free
Pre-registration
Not Required(Seating for 100 people, standing room available)
Inquiries
ICC TEL: 03-5286-3990 E-mail:[email protected]