What is the focus of your research?
I have been studying for an MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies at Linacre. Applying my experience and understanding of law in the protection of refugees and other displaced individuals, I have examined how domestic and international processes shape the behaviour and responses of states. I have specifically focused on the Non-Discrimination rule of the Refugee Convention considering the treatment of different refugee nationalities within a country. My research has concentrated on Ethiopia, where I spent about four years as a refugee.
How has the scholarship made a difference to your studies and your ability to come to Oxford?
The scholarship has profoundly impacted both my academic journey and my ability to study at Oxford. In Eritrea, I was involved in assisting Eritrean refugees in obtaining necessary documentation, but it wasn’t until I left Eritrea that I fully grasped the extensive challenges refugees face daily. My background allowed me to understand some of the legal complexities, but many refugees often lack such insights.
While working as a researcher and advocate, I later joined The Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH) in Nairobi to further my academic interests in this field. The support I received there paved the way for my transition to the Master’s program at Linacre College.
The scholarship has been instrumental in this transition, opening doors that seemed out of reach. For someone who was a refugee in Ethiopia, becoming a part of the University of Oxford feels like an extraordinary achievement. This scholarship has not only transformed my academic life but has also been a profound personal milestone, bringing me to a place I could only dream of.
What have you enjoyed most about being at Linacre and in Oxford?
I love Linacre. There are quite a few African scholars here and I have made a lot of connections. It was quite stressful coming to a new country from my background, but it was also inspiring to see other people’s experiences, and learning from each other. The College has a warm community and being an AfOx scholar is like being part of a family – there is great support and socials where scholars meet regularly.
Oxford is incredibly inspiring and beautiful. From Ethiopia, I found myself Googling images of the city daily, marvelling at its charm. Now that I’m here, I’m captivated by the stunning parks and historic buildings.
What do you plan to do after your studies at Linacre?
Coming to Oxford was hugely difficult and stressful with many visa issues. Now that I am here, I am planning to complete the Ubuntu Transitions Program which offers African Oxford graduates the chance to develop their careers through meaningful work placements. With the help of Linacre and the AfOx team, I have already met with a potential placement organisation that offers information, advice and support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants living in Oxfordshire.
I plan to work with NGOs and other organisations before pursuing doctoral studies. My goal is to combine the lived experience of displacement with my academic and professional expertise to advocate for the rights of refugees and RLOs, particularly in the Horn of Africa.
