"Do we understand refugee stories?" with Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu
Now, more than ever, we find ourselves living through an age of forced displacement. It is estimated that there are roughly 70.8 million refugees worldwide. However, does society put enough effort into understanding and connecting with refugees to help them to feel a sense of belonging?
In this episode, we speak with Congolese human rights activist and refugee Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu, the founder of No Impunity for the Congolese State. In 2006, Jenny was forced to leave his life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo behind when it became apparent that he was at risk of imprisonment and death for protesting against the abuses committed by the Congolese regime. While he gained safety from persecution, the threat of deportation loomed over Jenny, and 15 years of limbo resulted in homelessness and destitution until Jenny was finally granted leave to remain at the end of 2020. From a young age, Jenny has fought against injustice, and now stands adamantly for the protection of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Here at Manchester Museum, we believe that it is our duty to represent the stories and cultures of people from all backgrounds. It is vital that we celebrate the contribution of refugees in the UK and encourage people to connect with refugee communities found in Manchester and across Britain to facilitate a stronger relationship between all in our society. Mainstream social discourse frequently shapes the stories of refugees without offering them the chance to contribute to the conversation which so often surrounds them in the media. We believe it is our duty to build empathy and understanding towards refugees and asylum seekers throughout the world and recognise their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
Jenny has been supported by the following organisations during his time in the UK: RAPAR, The Mustard Tree, Refugee Action, The Red Cross, The Gaskell Garden Project, Blue Shoes Productions, The University of Manchester.
Season 2: Episode 3 Transcript
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Manchester Museum is on a mission to become the most imaginative, caring and inclusive museum in the world, and in this podcast we will share open and honest conversations with special guests, which will inform, entertain and inspire.
Through these conversations we hope to reframe what it means for museums to care, and explore how we can build understanding, empathy and love for our world and each other.
Find out more about the Manchester Museum:
Website
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Original music courtesy of Move 78:
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