On September 16, 2024, the historic University Hall in Bonn opened its doors to welcome over 350 participants from around the world for the 5th Conference of the German Network of Forced Migration Studies. From September 16th to 18th, academics, experts, activists, and individuals with refugee and migration backgrounds gathered to explore critical issues surrounding forced migration, displacement, and the increasing challenges in a world influenced by rising right-wing populism.
Opening Day: Powerful Keynotes and Ethical Milestones
The conference began with a captivating opening ceremony that set an inspiring tone for the days to come. Among the 40 researchers in attendance, many had personal experiences of fleeing conflict, a poignant reminder of the real-world implications of migration studies. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Tamirace Fakhoury from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. Drawing from her extensive research, Prof. Fakhoury shared deep insights into global migration challenges, offering a comprehensive analysis of how displacement is shaped by geopolitics, economics, and social factors.
Another key highlight of the first day was the introduction of the new ethical guidelines for refugee research in Germany, a significant achievement that has been in development for two years. These guidelines, formulated through a participatory process involving network members, external reviewers, and the network board, aim to ensure that refugee research is conducted with integrity and respect. The official launch of these guidelines at the conference marked a significant milestone in ethical academic practice, ensuring more inclusive and sensitive approaches to studying migration and displacement.
The emotional keynote from Shaza Alrihawi, co-founder of EU-COMAR, resonated deeply with the audience. Alrihawi spoke passionately about the refugee and migrant situation in Europe, highlighting her concerns over the rise of right-wing populism. She pointed out how refugees are increasingly stereotyped and portrayed as threats, stressing the urgency of addressing these harmful narratives. Alrihawi’s speech emphasized the need for solidarity and proactive measures to support refugees, while also calling for a unified effort to combat populist rhetoric.
For the first time, the conference is working closely with EU-COMAR, a refugee-led organization, to shape the event. This collaboration signifies a new direction in the conference’s history, ensuring that refugee voices are front and center. Additionally, journalists with refugee backgrounds are documenting the event, and they will share their reflections during the closing session.
Day Two: Sessions, Workshops, and Exploring Bonn’s History
The second day was filled with sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, allowing participants to dive deeper into the complexities of forced migration. Topics ranged from migration policy and integration challenges to post-colonial and gender-critical perspectives. Researchers and participants discussed strategies to address displacement challenges while also focusing on the role of media and public perception in shaping the narratives around migration.
One unique aspect of the day was the guided tour of Bonn, which offered participants a chance to explore the city’s rich history. Bonn, once the capital of West Germany, has a significant past intertwined with issues of migration and colonialism. The tour provided an engaging backdrop to the discussions, helping participants reflect on Germany’s evolving role in global migration.
Day Three: Journalism, Ethics, and Migration Narratives
The final day of the conference brought together an exceptional panel of refugee journalists for a powerful discussion on media narratives and their influence on public opinion and policy regarding forced migration. The first panel, moderated by Nyima Jadama, co-organizer and board member of the European Coalition of Migrants and Refugees, and second panel was moderated by Osman Bahadir Dincer,
- Seedy Saidykhan, a two-time Diaspora Award winner, founder of the Seedy Show Podcast, and co-founder of the WeMigrants organization, a platform amplifying refugee voices.
- Rouby Traore, co-founder of The Voice Platform, which tells the stories of refugees in Germany.
- Femi Awoniyi, author and co-founder of the African Kurier website.
- that media plays in shaping migration narratives. They underscored how negative portrayals of refugees fuel xenophobic sentiments, while also emphasizing the ethical responsibility of journalists to provide nuanced and sensitive coverage. Saidykhan, Traore, and Awoniyi shared their personal experiences and insights on how media can either humanize or vilify migrants, and what needs to change to foster greater understanding and compassion in society.
Nyima Jadama expressed her pride as someone with a migration background and her involvement in organizing such an impactful event, which successfully brought together diverse voices from across the globe.
Ethical Guidelines for Refugee Research: A Step Forward
Another cornerstone of the conference was the formal presentation of the new ethical guidelines for refugee research. These guidelines are a groundbreaking tool that will help shape the future of migration studies in Germany, ensuring that refugee experiences are captured with care and respect. The collaborative development of these guidelines involved researchers, refugees, and external stakeholders, making them an inclusive framework that prioritizes dignity and ethical responsibility.
Looking Ahead
The 5th Conference of the German Network of Forced Migration Studies was organized in collaboration with several prominent institutions, including BICC, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Bonn University, and the German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS). The event was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and highlighted the importance of cross-sector cooperation in addressing migration issues.
More than 30 participants also joined the conference online, further broadening the global reach of the discussions. Over the course of three days, participants exchanged knowledge, developed strategies, and highlighted the importance of refugee-led initiatives in shaping policy and practice.
As the conference concluded, it became clear that the ongoing collaboration between academia, civil society, and refugee communities is critical for advancing understanding and creating sustainable solutions for forced migration. Through shared learning, ethical practices, and a commitment to amplifying refugee voices, the conference succeeded in laying the groundwork for future progress in migration studies.
With ongoing global crises and increasing displacement, the lessons from Bonn will resonate well beyond the conference hall, offering hope for more inclusive and just approaches to forced migration worldwide.
