On the 25th of November, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences hosted an event entitled “Refugee protection in turbulent times”. The two guest speakers were Vicky Tennant, the UNHCR Representative to the United Kingdom, and Chloe White, the CEO of Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL).
This talk is the latest in the School’s ongoing and successful Political Insights series, and was attended by students on our various international relations programme (BA (Hons) Languages and International Relations; BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations; and MA International Relations), students from other programmes in the Faculty and members of the general public.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences popular Political Insights Series allows students to hear from and discuss with experts in the fields of international relations, diplomacy and politics. Typically, speakers are diplomats or those working in international organisations and politics, often outside of the UK, and they are able to share an international perspective on some of today’s most topical matters with Greenwich students.
Vicky Tennant has served with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees since 2000, in a range of positions at its Geneva headquarters and in field operations, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and Myanmar. Her most recent field assignment was in Syria, serving as Deputy Representative from September 2020 to June 2022. At UNHCR headquarters, she worked in a range of policy, evaluation, and emergency-related positions, and served as Special Assistant to the High Commissioner.
Chloe White is the recently appointed CEO of Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL), previously overseeing the organisation's casework, legal and policy work as Deputy Director. Following her Law degree from The London School of Economics, Chloe started work for the British Red Cross Refugee Services. Her current work focuses on utilising casework and co-production to create systemic change, having led a strategic litigation against the Home Office, advising the Greater London Authority on Asylum Support matters, and sitting on the London Housing Panel where she chairs the Panel's work on improving Temporary Accommodation in the capital.
Dr Matthew Jones - Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations and Programme Leader for Greenwich's International Relations degrees - who organised the talk, notes that “these talks provide students with an opportunity to engage with professionals in the field of politics and international relations, at both the local and international level. They can see how many of the debates and issues we examine in class play out in the real world. It also opens their eyes to the range of possible careers they may pursue after they graduate.”
Stephanie Gerena recently completed her MA in International Relations at the University of Greenwich. She also completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Greenwich (BA (Hons) History and Politics). “‘Political insights’ has been a reoccurring highlight throughout my academic journey, consistently adding value to my understanding of local and global issues. This session featuring Vicky Tennant and Chole White, was no exception. Listening to Vicky's speech about UNHCHR's International work, follow by Chole White's account of advocacy and support at the local level, offered an important reminder of how international frameworks translates, sometimes imperfectly, into local realities. It was inspiring and motivating as a student of International Relations.”
Meggie De Oliveira Modesto is a L5 student on the BA (Hons) Languages and International Relations programme. “As a student, these talks allow me to explore potential career paths, understand different sides to jobs and build new connections not only with the speakers but also with attendees. I also find that I retain information better outside of traditional classroom settings, so these events really stick with me and deepen my understanding.”
Dr Cécile Laval - the Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences shares:
“At the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, we are committed to opening pathways that expand our students’ understanding of the world and their future roles within it. The Political Insights Series offers an invaluable chance to hear directly from leading national and international practitioners. We’re proud to have hosted Refugee Protection in Turbulent Times with Vicky Tennant (UNHCR UK Representative) and Chloe White (CEO, Action for Refugees in Lewisham). This vital conversation highlights the real-world challenges our students are being prepared to tackle - deepening their global awareness, professional insight, and readiness to make meaningful change”.
Professor John Morton - Deputy Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences says:
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to support the Political Insights series, which offers students and staff alike the chance to hear from, and network with, prestigious and influential speakers at the cutting edge of some of the most pressing issues of this day.
This event was co-organised with the United Nations Association Blackheath and Greenwich branch, and we thank them for their help.
