The University of Iowa Center for Human Rights (UICHR) will host and facilitate a community-based, humanitarian aid summit for Syria Tuesday Oct. 15, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Jones Commons, Room 300 in Lindquist Center North on the UI campus.

The event will be a dialogue among regional experts, relief agencies, student organizations, religious institutions, and local charities to assess the needs of refugees and others impacted by the violence, and how community leaders in Eastern Iowa can productively aid relief efforts.

According to UICHR Assistant Director Amy Weismann, this will be an action-planning event to change conditions on the ground in the affected region, not a general information session.

"Thus, while open to the public, we encourage attendance only among those planning to actively contribute to relief efforts through their time and commitment," Weismann says. Summit organizers will also let those interested know how to contribute directly to major relief agencies that also will benefit those in Syria who are in need.

The UICHR is part of the UI College of Law.

Those interested in participating should RSVP to Weismann in advance at amy-weismann@uiowa.edu or at 319-335-3900.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this summit, contact Weismann in advance at 319-335-3900 or at amy-weismann@uiowa.edu.