Placeless People: Writing, Rights and Refugees

Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London,
Placeless People: Writing, Rights and Refugees image
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Event has ended
This event ended on Tuesday 22nd of May 2018
Admission
Free
Venue Information
University of London
Senate House, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU
Nearest Tube/Rail Stations
Russell Square 0.12 miles

In 1944 the political philosopher and refugee, Hannah Arendt wrote: ‘Everywhere the word “exile” which once had an undertone of almost sacred awe, now provokes the idea of something simultaneously suspicious and unfortunate.’ Exiles from other places have often caused trouble for ideas about sovereignty and the law and nationhood. But the meanings of exile changed dramatically in the 20th century, often leaving human rights law struggling to catch-up. This lecture discusses how writers such as Arendt, Orwell, Simone Weil, Dorothy Thompson, and Samuel Beckett responded to the mass displacements of the last century, and anticipate many of the issues we confront today. Sceptical about the ability of human rights to legislate for refugees, yet committed to universal justice, these writers challenge us to imagine new terms for placelessness in modern times. Chaired by Professor Phillipe Sands, QC at Matrix Chambers, it features contributions from writer and broadcaster, Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge.

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