Dr Rama Sahtout

I am a Lecturer at the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies and the Law School at the University of Exeter. My interdisciplinary research spans law, politics, and Middle East Studies, with interests in international law, human rights law, and decolonial/postcolonial theory. I am particularly interested in the implementation of refugee law concepts in the context of large-scale refugee movements, international cooperation in refugee protection, the question of Palestinian refugees, the legal and political dimensions relevant to refugees in the Middle East, and of Syria's internal displacement.

Additionally, I am passionate about the Arabic language, particularly Arabic poetry, and I enjoy contributing to teaching of Arabic at IAIS.  I am a member of the European Centre for Palestine Studies (ECPS) and Maqam for Arabic Studies (MAS) at IAIS. I am also a memebr of International Law Centre (ILC) and Human Rights and Democracy Forum (HRDF) at the University of Exeter law deparment.

I have published on topics related to Palestinian refugees, Syrian refugees, and internally displaced persons in Syria.

My PhD research analyzes the concept and practice of temporary refuge in large-scale refugee influxes. By contextualizing temporary refuge, the thesis provides a broader understanding of refugee law norms and their interrelations during such crises. It offers a unique perspective on refugee law by placing the concept of international cooperation at its core. 

I hold a Bachelor of Laws degree from Damascus University, Syria, an LLM in International and Comparative Law and a PhD from the University of Exeter.