Today, 42 million people around the world have fled from armed conflict and are searching for safety. The evening news often reminds us of the tent cities of Haiti or a refugee camp in Kenya but pays little attention to the millions who struggle with resettlement issues throughout the world. Of the many categories of displaced persons deserving attention, how can ordinary citizens think past overwhelming statistics and consider achievable solutions for those seeking stability and economic independence? Beyond the negative connotations of displaced populations, how should host communities consider the potential benefits of receiving new and diverse people? How can success stories of those resettled or repatriated inform policies and actions needed to aid those less fortunate? Two experts join us to illustrate the global challenges of refugees and displaced persons, from addressing immediate humanitarian crisis to highlighting the medium- and long-term strategies needed to solve and diminish one of the world’s most complex problems.

The speakers for this event are Zrinka Bralo, executive director of the Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum, and Vincent Cochetel, regional representative for the United States and the Caribbean at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).