As experts and practitioners from Europe, the United States, and the Middle East are brought together, this event will examine the humanitarian and security implications of Iraq’s displacement crisis, and also share and identify possible strategies and policy options to respond to the crisis. The event will explore the challenges posed by the crisis and discuss proposed solutions. Such solutions include increasing humanitarian assistance, resettling vulnerable Iraqis in other countries, and supporting neighboring countries struggling to absorb the refugees. A stimulating discussion with invited guests on how to best respond to the crisis and ways in which the international community can support this agenda is anticipated. Speakers include:

♦ Jean-Claude Heyraud, Head of Unit, European Commission, Brussels
♦ Cem Özdemir, member of the newly-established ad-hoc standing Delegation of the European Parliament for Relations with Iraq, Brussels
♦ Anita Sharma, Foreign Policy Advisor, Washington D.C.
♦ Bjarte Vandvik, Secretary General, European Council on Refugees and Exiles, London

The event will also present the report of the conference which was held on December 6, 2007 in Washington D.C., co-sponsored by the Center for American Progress and the Heinrich Böll Foundation. For a copy of the report and full coverage of the conference, including video footage, please click here.