This spring break, ten student organizers for NUCHR – Northwestern University Conference on Human Rights – are traveling to Istanbul to study issues of forced migration. In a unique partnership with The 195, they’ll be blogging here everyday. Feel free to post your thoughts and questions in the comment thread, and engage directly with them from Istanbul.
After having our initial plans to travel to Cairo thwarted by U.S. Department of State “travel warnings,” we will be traveling to Istanbul, Turkey this spring break to work with Koc University. As an extension of this year’s conference, “Human Rights in Transit: Issues of Forced Migration,” we’ll be working with Koc University’s Center for Migration Studies in an attempt to gain exposure to the wide range of forced migration issues that Istanbul addresses. We’ll be studying and volunteering with some of the most prominent refugee organizations in Istanbul. We hope bring our on-the-ground experience and broadened outlook on international forced migration back to NUCHR and the Northwestern community. And hopefully some souvenirs, too.
So excited to hear what you guys see, experience, and learn in Istanbul (and to live vicariously through you…)
Comment by Katharine — March 14, 2011 @ 6:56 pm
I don’t think it’s quite accurate to blame the US State Department for thwarting your trip! Rather, the people of Egypt are in a battle to achieve their human rights…which is what NUCHR is all about. I’m sure your trip to Istanbul will prove eye-opening as well and I look forward to hearing all about it. And, I hear you should check out the rugs in the open markets.
Comment by Genie — March 15, 2011 @ 4:02 am
@Genie Haha, that was meant to be a bit of a joke. Of course I understand that what’s happening in Egypt is amazing, especially on the human rights front. Thanks for reading, and we’ll be sure to check out the rugs!
Comment by Amanda — March 15, 2011 @ 1:31 pm
Amazing and significant effort and data mining you all are doing as your “break.” I’m sure this effort will be beneficial to your futures and world view. Kudos to all!
Comment by Kathie — March 16, 2011 @ 6:09 am
You have arrived! Enjoy every minute of this amazing experience!
Comment by Carrie — March 20, 2011 @ 6:32 am
We are proud of all of you for giving back to the world on your spring break. What a great group of kids we have!
Comment by Laura — March 26, 2011 @ 2:59 pm