Immigrants – Us and Them?

The conference tackled problems such as immigration and the auspices under which it happens. The aim of the conference was not only to allay public fears concerning immigrants, but also to present immigration policy and migration in the Polish context. Other key issues were the building of open and tolerant foundations upon which a dialogue on multiculturalism could be held, especially by the young. The project was split into two interlocking parts: student workshops and an international conference.
 

The programme was prepared by Tischner European University with the co-operation of the Institute for the Study of Civilisations – Krakow Branch and the Consulate General of the United States in Kraków, and was held under the auspices of the Bridges of Tolerance programme. The Italian Cultural Institute and the Human Rights Centre (HRC) of the Jagiellonian University were invited to take part. Radio Kraków was the media patron, and a photo exhibition by Łukasz Trzciński, on loan from the HRC and entitled “People unto Themselves”, juxtaposed the conference.

The conference was opened by ceremonial speeches from Dr. Jarosław Gowin, the Rector of TEU, and HE Victor Ashe, the Ambassador of the United States to Poland. The opening lecture was given by Prof. Andrzej Zoll, a former spokesman on civil rights. The first day’s session was devoted to multiculturalism, with Ewa Nowicka (Univeristy of Warsaw, Warsaw School of Social Psychology), Konrad Pędziwiatr (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven), Paul Gradvohl (Université Nancy 2, Université de Marne-la-Vallée), and Emira Habiby Brown (Center for the Integration and Advancement of New Americans) taking part. The afternoon session of the conference was opened by a lecture given by Peter Brookes (Heritage Foundation) entitled “Immigration and National Security”, after which there was a session dedicated to immigration policy. Those taking part included Agnieszka Weinar (University of Warsaw), Antonio Ricci (Caritas/Migrantes) and Emira Habiby Browne.

The second day of the conference was about immigration in the Polish context. The session entitled “Immigrants in Poland” was prepared by students from the TEU Society of the Institute for the Study of Civilisations - Krakow Branch. Immigrants living in Poland were invited to share their experiences. The fourth session was closed by speeches given by Tomasz Błasiak – TEU, Agnieszka Weinar – University of Warsaw, and Olga Seweryn – Jagiellonian University. They discussed whether Poland is ready to accept immigrants.

250 people took part in the conference. Amongst them were Polish and foreign experts: academic lecturers, representatives from cultural organisations, consular representatives, government, local government delegates, NGO members, journalists, representatives of immigrant groups and, last but by no means least, students.

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