Policing Humanitarianism: EU Policies Against Human Smuggling and their Impact on Civil Society

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Policing Humanitarianism delves into the intricate interplay between European Union (EU) policies aimed at countering migrant smuggling and the impact they have on the actions of civil society actors in the realm of humanitarian assistance, access to rights for irregular immigrants, and asylum seekers. It explores the profound effects of EU policies, laws, and agencies' operations in their anti-migrant smuggling efforts and their implementation across various EU Member States, including Italy, Greece, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

The book employs a critical lens to examine policies designed and implemented since 2015, during the so-called "European refugee humanitarian crisis." By building upon the existing academic literature on the criminalization of migration within the EU, the book expands its scope to encompass a broader range of punitive, coercive, or control-oriented dynamics affecting the work and activities of civil society actors. Through the lens of "policing the mobility society," the book seeks to provide a comprehensive framework of analysis that enables the examination of a diverse array of practices, mechanisms, and tools driven by a policing logic within the context of the EU Schengen border framework.

This framework encompasses not only the actions of individuals who move (referred to as third-country nationals under EU law) but also those who mobilize in a rights-claiming capacity on behalf of and with immigrants and asylum seekers. By examining these intersecting dynamics, Policing Humanitarianism sheds light on the complex ways in which the EU's policies and practices shape the experiences and rights of individuals seeking safety and protection in Europe.

The book offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by civil society actors as they navigate the complex web of policies, laws, and practices aimed at managing migration. It highlights the ways in which these actors are increasingly subjected to surveillance, monitoring, and restrictions, which hinder their ability to provide effective humanitarian assistance and advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, the book explores the implications of these policies for the broader societal dynamics in the EU Member States. It raises questions about the role of civil society in shaping migration policies, the potential erosion of human rights, and the impact of border control measures on the well-being of both migrants and host communities.

In conclusion, Policing Humanitarianism is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of the complex relationship between EU policies, civil society actors, and the protection of human rights in the context of migration. It provides a timely and insightful analysis of a critical issue that has profound implications for the future of European governance and the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 235 x 153 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509922994