Latin America Week 2016: Human Safety or State Security? Sat 23rd - LAW Conference

national | racism & migration related issues | event notice Wednesday April 13, 2016 22:21 by LASC - Latin America Solidarity Centre

Latin America Week (LAW) - Events 2016

Human Safety or State Security? The global migrant crisis from a Latin American perspective.
A series of events around Ireland focusing on Latin America. Talks, documentary screening, music...

LASC Latin America Week this year will focus on the migrant and humanitarian crisis in Europe and Central America/Mexico. Events around Ireland will highlight the links between similar realities in two different areas of the globe.

LASC Latin America Week this year will focus on the migrant and humanitarian crisis in Europe and Central America/Mexico. Events around Ireland will highlight the links between similar realities in two different areas of the globe.

Saturday 23rd April: Event: LAW Conference, from 10.15am to 1pm @Department of Ecumenics, Trinity College

The past twelve months have seen a growing number of people desperately trying to reach Europe to escape internal conflicts and inhumane conditions in the Middle East and Africa. These migratory flows have led to an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Europe, yet this crisis has too often been framed as a security issue for the states involved rather than for the human lives at risk. The EU's reaction to this crisis has not reflected European countries' responsibilities under international law, as the majority of these refugees should be allowed safe passage to seek asylum in the EU.

In the same way, the on-going inequality and violence in Central American states has increased the number of people attempting to reach the United States for a better and safer life. While particular individuals may or may not meet the legal requirements for international protection under the Refugee Convention, the vast majority of these experience complex structures of societal violence that do not give them the choice but to take on the perilous journey through Central America and Mexico. Both these journeys are hazardous, putting vulnerable people at the hands of potential criminal activity. The crisis has a human side which goes beyond the chaotic images we see at the borders of powerful western countries.

The increase in extreme negative political views on forced migration in Europe echoes the rhetoric of certain powerful individuals in the United States with regard to migration from Latin America. The debate around 'deserving' and 'underserving' migrants ignores that all people who attempt border crossings put themselves in extreme danger at the hands of criminal gangs such as human traffickers and kidnappers as these dangers are escalated by their status as irregular migrants.

Speakers will include:
- Carol Giron, from Casa de Migrante in Guatemala
- Rebeca Cenalmor-Rejas, UNHCR Regional Protection Officer for Central America
- Representative of Ireland migrant organisations

LAW 2016 Events:

DUBLIN:
- Sunday 17th April: Documentary Screening "The invisible". 7.30pm @Beerhouse
- Wednesday 20th April: Fernando López concert: Corazón Ixil. 8pm @Beerhouse
- Saturday 23rd April: LAW Conference, from 10.15am to 1pm @Department of Ecumenics, Trinity College
- Sunday 24th April: Documentary Screening "La Jaula de Oro". 7.30pm @Beerhouse

GALWAY Public Talk: Tuesday 19th April
LIMERICK Public Talk: Wednesday 20th April

More information at www.lasc.ie