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Asylum seekers get researchers' attention

13 August 2008

Elissa Lipshutz

Naomi Frauenfelder

Two Masters students from the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation in the Faculty of Arts have received scholarships to undertake international work placements as part of their research into Holocaust and genocide studies.

Elissa Lipshutz, who is examining the plight of Sudanese refugees, will travel to Israel to work with a number of groups, including the Hotline for Migrant Workers (HMW), an organisation dedicated to promoting the rights of migrant workers and refugees.

She will work with HMW and other lobby groups to encourage policy changes and better conditions for refugees.

"These asylum seekers, many of whom are escaping genocide in Darfur, have found their way to Israel where they face the precarious situation of being detained or even deported," Ms Lipshutz said.

"Those who are able to stay find it difficult to obtain accommodation and employment.

"I am interested in the way different governments around the world have responded to the issue of Sudanese seeking asylum, as well as the role played by different non-governmental organisations in this area."

Naomi Frauenfelder will travel to Rwanda at the end of 2008 to work at the Rwanda Cinema Centre, supporting the production of a documentary on an expedition of Tutsi survivors to Berlin.

"I am hoping to develop my understanding of the process of reconciliation and progressive development in Rwanda that has occurred over the past 14 years since the genocide," Ms Frauenfelder said.

"Having the chance to live in Rwanda, research material and conduct interviews will be an invaluable experience."

For more information visit the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation website.