As the most recent graduates of the MSc of Forced Migration program at the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford, we are excited to announce the launch of our free electronic publication The Oxford Monitor of Forced Migration (OxMo) written, reviewed and edited by students. OxMo aims to engage with issues of forced migration within the broader context of human rights through monitoring political, legal and social developments that pertain to displacement, asylum and return. We set no geographic limitations. Ultimately, we endeavour to contribute to strengthening the human rights of forced migrants by bringing attention to the many difficulties they face as well as positive developments taking shape. In addition to this, having identified that the student community remains a highly valuable yet under-tapped intellectual resource, we hope to establish a forum in which students may contribute meaningfully to the wider academic discourse and to participate in transnational dialogues with like-minded others.

Our biannual publication will place great emphasis on: presenting critical analyses of forced migration issues, projects and policies in relation to international organizations and the work of NGOs and national governments; highlighting innovative practices and developments geared towards countering forced migration predicaments; reporting best practices, examining local/grass roots developments, and fostering a space for students, who themselves have been or are currently forcibly displaced, to present their perspectives on current situations. OxMo will be divided into five sections:

1. Policy
2. Law
3. Field Monitor
4. First Hand Experiences (restricted to those who have first hand experienced of forced displacement), and
5. Academic Articles. 

We anticipate that as well as our student-based readership practitioners, academics, NGOs, government representatives, general interest readers and forced migrants alike will find our analyses insightful and critically engaging.

To this end, the editorial team would like to invite current students, including recent graduates, undergraduates and those on vocational programs to get involved by submitting short articles of no more than 1000-1500 words in length (for the sections of policy, law, field monitor or first hand) or academic articles of no more than 6000 words in length (inlcuding bibliography) on an issue that relates to any of the topics and areas mentioned above. Please indicate the section under which your submission should be considered. We encourage astute, critical, thought provoking pieces! (Don’t be shy if you haven’t published before or if English is not your first language!)

The submission deadline for our first issue is October 24th, 2010.

We invite all of you to take part in this exciting venture and to encourage other students who are working on issues of forced migration, wherever in the world they may be, to get involved and help promote greater understanding of the plight of millions of forced migrants.

Kind regards,

Clara Straimer (Co-Editor of First Hand Experiences)

Please send submissions and any questions to oxmofm@googlemail.com and a member of the editorial board will get in touch with you as soon as possible.