The Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Thomas Albrecht, will discuss the global challenges of refugee protection and the imperatives of support to survivors of violence and torture.  Mr Albrecht will share a review on the situation of refugees; human beings known to all of us for their courage, resilience and hope against all odds. He will also share the challenges of ensuring their protection.  This will include a discussion of the current global displacement situation, the changing humanitarian landscape confronting UNHCR and the international community, and the operational challenges and dilemmas facing humanitarian workers today.  This analysis will further explore the shared responsibility of responding to crises around the world, and then take a more in-depth look at some of UNHCR’s key operations around the world.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of providing support to survivors of violence and torture and, using the example of STTARS, illustrate what humanity in action means.

Mr Thomas Albrecht is the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Representative, based in Canberra, with geographical responsibility for 16 Pacific countries. Mr Albrecht’s role is to work with governments and other partners to ensure all persons of concern to UNHCR, including refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons, receive protection, assistance and durable solutions to their plight. Prior to taking up this assignment in early 2014, he served as Head of the UNHCR Regional Support Hub in Nairobi.

This event is presented as part of the annual United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Register now to attend this free event on Friday 26 June at 6.30pm.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and STTARS (Supporting survivors of torture & trauma)

FREE registration: Rehabilitation: co-creating new lives with Thomas Albrecht, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Regional Representative

 Friday 26 June, 6.30pm
Allan Scott Auditorium, University of South Australia