On the Move Global migrations, challenges & responses Oslo, Norway - October 26th 2016 International Social Science Council Oslo & Akershus University College of Applied Sciences
PROJECTING THE CAUSE OVER THE EFFECT: MIGRATION FLOWS IN THE 2010s & THE REVERSAL OF GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY Irene Sotiropoulou Centre for Agroecology, Water & Resilience
[email protected]
Forced migration War
&
Internal conflicts
Adverse conditions economic
political
cultural
Discourse on migration A. Who Controlled by - governments - mass media - intergovernmental organisations - academics & experts What about migrants & refugees themselves? Disruptive approaches: marginalised/silenced
Discourse on migration B. About whom & what Mass movement of populations as a problem of - refugees & migrants themselves - the host countries Phenomenon without active agents?
Discourse on migration C. About why
ERASED Structural causes Specific policies Entities: states inter-/trans/supra-national organisations corporations
Discourse on migration D. Cover-ups I. Fear of racism rising in Europe
Covers the
colonial racist male-dominated class-based
legacy
of European identity & civilisation
Discourse on migration D. Cover-ups II. Target only racist & xenophobic practices of host populations Covers the
existing/implemented official & unofficial
Policies of European countries & the EU
Hungary, July 2015
Photo: Budapestbeacon.com 3.7.2015
Amygdaleza, Greece – September 2016
Photo: Sofia Kouvelaki, The Guardian 10.9.2016
Calais, France – October 2016
Photo at dw.com 23.10.2016
Lesvos, Greece - February 2016
Photo: Getty images, 17.2.2016 – The Independent, 18.4.2016
Discourse on migration D. Cover-ups III. Under such conditions: celebrating migration as root of enrichment & cultural exchange Utilitarian/capitalist perception of human beings Decent living linked to one’s usefulness to the more powerful than her/him
Discourse on migration D. Cover-ups IV. Under such conditions: celebrating grassroots solidarity Dismisses responsibilities of European states to Refugees – Migrants – Locals
Discourse on migration D. Cover-ups V. Silence about International Law & Human Rights Normalises breach of local/national & international laws Avoids discussion of state & inter/supra-national responsibilities
Discourse on migration Latest versions: Arose while migrations flows were too large to ignore Cannot change realities nor transfer responsibilities to the victims
Questions, comments, critique?
Thank you!
