Aston University: Aston University to host live panel event featuring stories of refugee journeys to safety

The Centre for Migration and Forced Displacement at Aston University is set to host a live panel event and Q&A with two refugee survivors on Thursday 16 June, ahead of this year’s Refugee Week from 20 to 26 June 2022

Published authors Gulwali Passarlay and Dina Nayeri will share their journeys as refugees travelling to safety, as told in their respective books ‘The Lightless Sky’ and ‘The Ungrateful Refugee. There will be an opportunity to buy their books and there will be a book signing by the authors.

The event is being organised in collaboration with two charities: Kings Heath Action for Refugees and Refugee Support Europe.

Dr Gaja Maestri, lecturer in sociology at Aston University, and Hannah Ryan, PhD candidate in the sociology department, will also present the work of the University’s Centre for Migration and Forced Displacement at the event.

Dr Jelena Obradovic-Wochnik, senior lecturer in politics and international relations and co-director of the Centre for Migration and Forced Displacement at Aston University, said:

“We are pleased to be able to work with local and international organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and abroad.

“We look forward to welcoming Gulwali Passarlay and Dina Nayeri to Birmingham and hearing their stories.”