Estudantes internacionais em situação de refúgio: um estudo de caso a partir da Cátedra Sérgio Vieira de Mello na UFSCar

Abstract

The Sérgio Vieira de Mello Chatedra (CSVM) is a partnership between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Brazilian universities, which has been working since 2003 to facilitate access to higher education for people in situations of refuge in Brazil. Its central purpose is to promote teaching, research and university extension on issues related to refuge and human rights, contributing to the academic and social integration of this group and raising awareness among the academic community and society about migration and fundamental rights. In this context, the main objective of this research is to analyze the policies for differentiated admission and permanence of refugee students in undergraduate courses at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). The UFSCar, a pioneering public university in joining the CSVM, held its first selection process specifically for refugee candidates in 2009, even before the Quota Law. The study deals with forced migrations, exploring the historical and normative context surrounding these displacements, the applicable legislation, the support bodies available and the importance of affirmative action as a public policy to guarantee the access and permanence of refugee students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The research includes a historical and documentary analysis of the Chair at UFSCar, complemented by questionnaires and interviews detailing the evolution of affirmative action, the nationalities involved, the courses attended, and the results obtained by these students. In addition to identifying the main challenges faced, the study seeks to contribute to strengthening UFSCar's academic recognition as a pioneer in implementing this inclusive policy, providing support for senior management to develop initiatives that promote greater integration between these students and the University, ensuring the necessary support for them to enter, remain and successfully complete their studies at UFSCar.