A roundtable discussion on the theme of the refugee crisis in Syria, Greece and Europe will be organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne in collaboration with the Deakin University, on Monday, 9 May 2016, at the Greek Centre, with a panel of distinguished academics and experts.

The aim of this roundtable is to unpack the complex issues that arise from the Syrian refugee crisis, the impact and response from Europe and Greece (as the first host country of the EU).

The dimensions to be explored by a panel of experts are the situation on the ground in Syria and the region regarding the causes of the humanitarian emergency, the constant changing of conflict dynamics and the impact on non-combatants. In addition the panel will assess the recent EU deal with Turkey as a means of stopping the refugee flows.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for the Refugees by mid-2015 the number of refugees has reached an estimated 15.1 million worldwide, its highest level in 20 years.

The main contributing factor to this trend has been the war in Syria. In 2015 Europe has experienced exceptionally large numbers of refugees arriving via the Mediterranean Sea, a majority of whom are from the Syrian Arab Republic.

Panel Members:
Dr Scott Burchill, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Deakin University.
Mr Daniel Flitton, Senior Foreign Correspondent, The Age.
Mr Paul White, Protection Adviser to the United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syrian Crisis.
Ms Sophie Perreard, Lecturer in Humanitarian Assistance, Deakin University.

Panel Convenor: Dr Costas Laoutides, Lecturer in International Relations, Deakin University.

We would like to thank Epaminondas Tsitas for sponsoring this event.

When: Monday, 9 May 2016, at 6.30pm
Where: Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne)