Understanding Migration: Drivers, Ethics, and Humanitarian Crises
School
El Camino Community College District**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
POLI 10
Subject
Sociology
Date
Dec 12, 2024
Pages
2
Uploaded by CoachMetal15576
Case Study #71.Bhabha argues that the rate of contemporary migration is "staggering" because it isoccurring on an unprecedented scale, with an estimated 272 million internationalmigrants in 2019. The scale of migration is equally dramatic, with around one in every 30people globally being a migrant. The consequences of this migration include economic,social, cultural, and political changes, both in countries of origin and destination. Bhabhaalso notes the unimaginable responses to migration, including xenophobia,discrimination, and violence.2.Bhabha characterizes "Migration's Longue Durée" as the continuous movement of peoplethroughout human history. She identifies four broad drivers of migration: economicopportunities, environmental factors, social and political conditions, and culturalexchange. Centuries of continuity in migration patterns include the transatlantic slavetrade and the movement of peoples across Eurasia. The advent of modern migrationhistory was caused by industrialization and colonialism. The consequences of ethnicseparation include forced migration, displacement, and ethnic cleansing. Bhabha'shistorical takeaways include the need to recognize migration as a continuous humanexperience and to understand the complex drivers of migration.3.Bhabha argues that there are moral obligations to distress migrants fleeing for their lives,including the right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement. Responses toappealing to emotions include compassion, empathy, and solidarity, but also fear andhostility. Religious attitudes toward migration are diverse, with some religious traditionsemphasizing hospitality and others emphasizing exclusion. Approaches to the ethics of
hospitality include a rights-based approach, which recognizes the human rights ofmigrants, and a cosmopolitan approach, which emphasizes the common humanity of allpeople.4.The current migration crisis is humanitarian because it involves the movement of peoplewho are fleeing violence, persecution, and other forms of harm. Bhabha defines distressmigration as migration that is caused by acute and urgent situations, such as conflict,natural disasters, or persecution. In her view, fleeing persecution is a legitimate claim onhospitality, and states have an obligation to protect refugees and asylum seekers. Urgentand unfinished business in relation to migration includes the need for more effectiveinternational cooperation and the need to address the root causes of migration.5.Some key drivers of distress migration include conflict, natural disasters, environmentaldegradation, economic inequality, and political repression. Conflict can be addressedthrough diplomacy, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. Humanitarian disasters andclimate change can be addressed through disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction,and climate change adaptation. Global inequality and poverty can be addressed throughdevelopment assistance, debt relief, and fair trade. Demography can be addressed throughpolicies that address demographic imbalances and promote demographic sustainability.The UN's approach to migration includes the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly andRegular Migration, which seeks to improve the governance of migration. A rights-basedapproach to migration would recognize the human rights of migrants and provide legalprotections for them.