Humanitarian Response and Social Work Perspectives: Addressing “Stop the Boats” Policies and Migrant Deaths in the English Channel
My doctoral research investigates the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the English Channel, focusing on the impacts of the UK’s “Stop the Boats” policies and the resulting migrant deaths at sea.
This research seeks to analyse the interplay between national security rhetoric, migration policy, and the ethical responsibilities of social workers within this context.
As part of the thesis, I assess the consequences of these policies, examining their role in exacerbating vulnerability among migrants and undermining human rights principles.
I explore the central ethical dilemmas faced by social workers involved in migration-related interventions. Social workers must navigate a complex landscape where their professional duties to protect vulnerable populations often conflict with state-imposed policies that prioritise border security over humanitarian considerations.
My research analyses the ways in which the current political discourse surrounding migration challenges social work practice and the potential for advocacy within these constraints.
The theoretical framework draws from social work and social policy literature, particularly around social justice, human rights, and the role of the state in securing national borders. I also integrate perspectives from migration studies and political theory to understand the broader implications of securitising migration.
The empirical component of the study combines qualitative methods, such as interviews with frontline social workers, policymakers, and NGOs involved in humanitarian work, along with policy analysis to track the evolution of government responses to migrant deaths.
Key outcomes of the research will include policy recommendations that advocate for a shift in discourse toward a more humane approach to migration, with a focus on safeguarding the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants. Additionally, I aim to propose ways in which social workers can be better supported in their advocacy efforts and intervention strategies, even when operating within a framework shaped by security-focused policies.
Book Chapter: The Securitisation of the Refugee Crisis and Attitudes Towards Refugees
This chapter is set to be included in the Routledge International Handbook of Glocal Social Work. The chapter explores how the securitsation of the refugee crisis has shaped public attitudes towards refugees, leading to an increasing tendency to view them as a security threat rather than a humanitarian concern. It critically examines the effects this shift has had on social work practice, urging a reconsideration of policy and the ethical responsibilities of social workers in managing migration-related challenges.
Researcher biography
I am a PhD student at Goldsmiths, University of London, where I am pursuing a doctorate in Social Work and Social Policy. My research interests lie at the intersection of migration policy, humanitarian response, and social work.
I am particularly focused on how national security measures, such as the UK’s “Stop the Boats” policy, impact the safety and rights of migrants crossing the English Channel. Born and raised in Greece, I have always been deeply engaged with the political and social challenges facing displaced populations in Europe.
Prior to my PhD, I studied Central and Eastern European Studies and Politics as my undergrad and International Relations as my postgrad, which provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the broader political and geopolitical factors influencing migration and refugee policy.
My work in academia and the public discourse often centres around the ethical implications of migration policies and the responsibilities of social workers to protect the dignity and rights of refugees and migrants. I aim to use my research to support social workers, policymakers, and humanitarian organisations in developing more compassionate, ethically grounded responses to migration.