Utrecht University: Presentation research ‘Op je plek in de stad’

The public debate about young people with a refugee background is mainly about this group. But the young people themselves, how do they experience their situation? And what do we actually know about the steps they take to find their way in their new environment? An international team of researchers, including Dr. Ilse van Liempt and Dr. Rik Huizinga from Utrecht University, investigated how these young people find their way in unfamiliar cities, and the role that public space plays in this. In doing so, the researchers provide an innovative insight into the experiences of young refugees.

Their research results will be presented on 2 and 3 June at the conference ‘Refugee Youth, Public Space and Artistic Practice’ in Amsterdam. Parallel to this, an exhibition of work by the refugees themselves will be on display. “The perspective of the young refugees themselves is central to this. It gives the visitor a glimpse into the everyday world of these young people in four different European cities. It is time for a counterbalance in the narrative around this group,” says Dr. Ilse van Liempt.