CLEER Conference on Human Security

'Using Human Security as a legal framework to
analyse the Common European Asylum System'

Confirmed speakers: Dr. Violeta Moreno-Lax, Queen Mary University, London; Dr. Jorrit Rijpma, Leiden University; Dr. Robert K. Visser, Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office; Dr Seline Trevisanut, Utrecht University; Dr. Paula Garcia Andrade, Universidad Pontificia Comillas; Ms. Myrthe Wijnkoop, Dutch Council for Refugees; Dr. Lieneke Slingenberg, VU University Amsterdam; Dr. Tamara Takács, CLEER/T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Dr. Paolo Cuttitta, VU University Amsterdam.

The conference is the second event of CLEER’s project ‘Human Security: a new framework for enhanced human rights in the EU’s foreign security and migration policies’, implemented with the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) of the European Union.

The project runs from 1 September 2013 until 31 August 2014 and aims at facilitating academic interaction in closely interrelated areas of EU external conduct, creating synergies between and raising awareness of global security concerns. The project will, specifically, integrate elements of EU external action in security, development and migration policies, through the paradigm of human security.

This expert conference will explore new territory in its analysis of protection under the Common European Asylum System through the prism of Human Security. In the second and final part of the CLEER Jean Monnet conferences on Human Security, this high level gathering will bring together specialists and practitioners in the area of EU asylum law. It will take stock of recent developments in legislation, jurisprudence and doctrine; proposing insightful approaches to contemporary asylum challenges. 

The four thematic panels of the conference will analyse the added value of using Human Security as a legal framework for protection in Asylum law whilst assessing the prospects of legal interaction between both fields. Sessions will concentrate on the concept of Human Security as a legal tool for interpretation of EU instruments. Emphasis will be placed on the Dublin Regime along with obligations that Member States must adhere to in applying substantive protection rights for those seeking asylum. Attention will also be paid to the use of Human Security as an operational tool for border management and the consistent application of EU norms. The conference will end with a contextualisation of the debate, specifically focusing on the relations between the EU and South Mediterranean States.

The conference will be of direct interest to everyone working and studying in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice of the EU, notably the asylum and refugee fields. In this regard practitioners, lawyers, judges, scholars, academics, students, civil servants, military and civilian authorities are all encouraged to come. Each panel will be followed by a question and answer session allowing for the audience to participate in the debate, thereby contributing to a unique perspective on EU asylum law and its protection regime.

*The event is free of charge, however registration is required. Please register here.