International Organisations can work only if member states are willing to devote themselves for the greater cause. But as Realists suggest, states are driven by their national interest. Still, International Organizations have worked vigorously for conflict resolution with their limited resources.
This article examines the critical intersection of international labour law and the gig economy, focusing on the urgent need for protections for millions of platform-based workers. It highlights the role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in addressing the challenges faced by gig workers, identifying existing legal gaps and proposing essential reforms. The discussion underscores the importance of establishing equitable labour standards to ensure that gig workers receive the rights and protections they deserve in an evolving labour landscape.
This article delves into the role of international labour standards in protecting migrant workers, with a focus on frameworks developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN). It highlights key conventions like ILO’s Migration for Employment Convention and the UN’s International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers. Additionally, it addresses challenges in implementing these standards, particularly in regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union, while advocating for a core rights approach to enhance migrant worker protections globally.
By Vedica Karnik Cinema has played a significant role in giving a voice to Middle Eastern people by providing a platform for filmmakers to express their cultural identity and share their stories with the world. Arab cinema was born at the beginning of the twentieth century and initially consolidated as popular entertainment art and a tool with which to assert Arabs’ group identity in the face of colonial powers. It has emerged as a tool for challenging the prevalent stereotypes and misconceptions about the region and its people, by presenting intricate narratives that go beyond the simplistic misrepresentations often perpetuated in mainstream media (Doane, 1980). Going to see an Egyptian film spoken in Arabic constituted for the populations of the Arab lands as an act of faith and an immersion in their culture and language (Attia, 2016). Over the past decade, film has enjoyed a revival in the Middle East amid a cultural revolution, despite societal challenges (Ajaka, 2016). In an era of globalization where information is widely accessible, Middle Eastern cinema has allowed people from the region to share their stories, their struggles, and achievements, thereby humanizing the portrayal of Middle Easterners and breaking away from stagnant, distorted images. It captures the multiplicity of the Middle Eastern experience, emphasizing the diversity and dynamism of the region instead of reducing it to monolithic caricatures of conflict and terrorism. The impact is two-fold: it empowers Middle Eastern individuals to assert their identities, while exposing global audiences to alternative narratives that replace homogenized stereotypes with a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural, political and social contexts. The lens of Middle Eastern cinema not only encapsulates the vibrant cultures and traditions unique to the region, but also includes the resilience and strength of its people in the face of adversity. Through the distinctive storytelling of these films, the global audience can gain a nuanced understanding of the rich tapestry of life in the Middle East, and the people who are seldom given a chance to tell their own stories in the global dialogues. Thus, cinema plays a critical and transformative role in amplifying Middle Eastern voices and constructing narratives from the region (Woods, 2019). The power of cinema as a means to communicate has been effectively utilized to provide a voice for Middle Eastern people, often marginalized in narratives associated with global cultural discourses. Notionally, cinema has the capacity to bring to light the rich culture, profound history, and complex lives of these people. Films like “Zero Dark Thirty” (2012), which chronicled the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, offers a distinctive perspective on Middle Eastern geopolitics and the subsequent ripple effects on its people (Diaconu, 2016). Similarly, the Turkish film “Mustang” (2015), which narrates the story of five teenage girls navigating the obstacles of tradition and modernity, counters the stereotype of Middle Eastern women, showcasing their dreams, resilience, and fortitude in the face of societal pressures (Dönmez, 2016). However, it’s pivotal to acknowledge the disparity in representation, with a majority of Middle Eastern characters appearing in crime or geopolitical dramas, often as terrorists or villains, reinforcing harmful stereotypes (MCLAUGHLIN, 2015). This has prompted Middle Eastern writers in the US film and TV industry to call for greater representation, demanding characters that reflect the diverse experiences and identities within the Middle Eastern community. While negative stereotypes persist, organizations like Alwan for the Arts, a New York-based organization, working towards promoting Middle Eastern cultures through events and movie screenings, signify a shift towards more authentic portrayals. Therefore, cinema’s role in giving a voice to Middle Eastern people is multi-faceted, serving both to challenge prejudices and to illuminate the complex realities of Middle Eastern lives (ramadan, 2004). More than often, media has depicted a distorted image of the Middle East, associating the region with terrorism, violence, and cultural oppression, primarily after the 9/11 attacks. Such representation has had severe consequences, including discrimination, racial profiling, and an overall degradation of the Middle Eastern identity. However, cinema has taken up the task of challenging these stereotypes and misconceptions, presenting a more profound insight into the lived experiences of people from this region. Films like “Suleima” have started focusing on the grassroot narratives rather than concentrating on the international political landscape. These films offer a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the region, its culture, traditions, and the vibrant diversity of Middle Eastern people. “Wadjda” stands as a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, being the first full-length film to emerge from Saudi Arabia’s creative landscape. Behind its creation is the visionary Haifa Almansour, an accomplished Saudi female writer and director. The film revolves around a determined young Saudi girl, resolute in her quest to defy certain societal norms. Central to the tale is her aspiration to buy a bicycle, a simple desire hampered by customary limitations. As the plot unfolds, her journey unfolds — an odyssey entailing her involvement in a Qur’anic recitation contest to win the cash prize. This cinematic masterpiece casts a revealing illumination upon the challenges faced by Saudi women as they navigate the intricate web of societal restrictions. Organizations such as the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition are working towards increasing the visibility of Middle Eastern performers, thus providing them with a global platform to challenge narratives and dispel stereotypes (KHATAMI, 2018). Hence, cinema is no longer just a source of entertainment; it is a powerful tool of social commentary and a reflection of the cultural memory of a region, and for the Middle East, it is a platform to voice their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Consequently, the role of cinema in giving a voice to Middle Eastern people is becoming increasingly significant and impactful. Cinema also holds an influential role in how societies perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. In the case of Middle Eastern representation, cinema has been examined as a key player in providing a platform for the voices of Middle Eastern people, but its effectiveness and limitations are critical to scrutinize. Films like Yousry Nasrallah’s Cannes-nominated “After the Battle” (2012) have highlighted the complex
By Anuradha Kakati Introduction Europe’s immigration crisis has been a defining issue for the continent over the past decade. The influx of refugees and migrants, primarily from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, has highlighted both humanitarian imperatives and political tensions. This blog explores the complexities of Europe’s immigration crisis, presenting recent facts, contemporary examples, personal stories, and discussing potential solutions. The Scale of the Crisis The European migration crisis reached its peak in 2015 when over a million refugees and migrants crossed into Europe, fleeing conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Although the numbers have decreased since then, the flow of migrants remains significant. In 2023, the European Union (EU) recorded around 330,000 irregular border crossings, marking a notable increase from previous years (European Commission, 2023). This ongoing influx continues to strain the resources and political will of European countries. Humanitarian Challenges Dangerous Journeys Migrants often undertake perilous journeys to reach Europe, risking their lives in the process. The Mediterranean Sea remains one of the deadliest routes. Since 2014, over 20,000 migrants have died or gone missing attempting to cross it (International Organization for Migration [IOM], 2023). Many migrants travel in overcrowded, unseaworthy boats, facing the threat of drowning or being abandoned by smugglers. Overwhelmed Asylum Systems Countries like Greece and Italy, which are often the first entry points into Europe, struggle to process the large number of asylum applications. Greece’s asylum system, for instance, remains under immense pressure with thousands of migrants living in overcrowded camps under dire conditions (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2023). The lack of resources and infrastructure has led to significant delays in processing applications, prolonging the uncertainty and hardship for many migrants. Integration and Social Tensions Even when migrants are granted asylum, integrating into European societies presents significant challenges. Language barriers, cultural differences, and economic constraints often hinder their ability to assimilate. For example, many migrants find it difficult to secure employment due to language skills and lack of recognition for their qualifications. Moreover, the influx of migrants has sometimes fueled xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, leading to social tensions and political backlash. In countries like Germany and France, there have been reports of increased incidents of hate crimes against migrants (Eurostat, 2022). Personal Stories A Syrian Family’s Journey The story of the Al-Hussein family from Syria illustrates the human aspect of the crisis. Fleeing the war in Aleppo, they embarked on a hazardous journey through Turkey and the Aegean Sea, eventually reaching Greece. After months in a refugee camp, they were relocated to Germany, where they are gradually rebuilding their lives. Their story highlights both the resilience of refugees and the critical role of supportive host communities (BBC News, 2023). An Afghan Interpreter’s Escape Ahmad, an Afghan interpreter who worked with NATO forces, faced threats from the Taliban after the withdrawal of international troops. Fearing for his life, he fled to Europe, leaving behind his family. Ahmad’s journey took him through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkan route, encountering numerous challenges along the way. His story underscores the plight of those who risk everything for safety and the bureaucratic hurdles they face in seeking asylum (The Guardian, 2023). Policy and Political Challenges EU’s Struggle for a Unified Response The EU has faced difficulties in developing a cohesive response to the migration crisis. Member states have often disagreed on the distribution of asylum seekers and the financial burden sharing. For instance, the 2015 EU-Turkey deal aimed to curb the flow of migrants by returning them to Turkey in exchange for financial aid and political concessions (European Commission, 2016). While it temporarily reduced the number of arrivals, it has been criticized for its ethical implications and limited long-term effectiveness. Rise of Populism: The migration crisis has contributed to the rise of populist and far-right parties across Europe. These parties often use anti-immigrant rhetoric to gain support, advocating for stricter border controls and reduced immigration. In Italy, the rise of Matteo Salvini’s League party is a testament to the growing influence of such sentiments. The political shift has influenced national policies, complicating efforts to develop compassionate and pragmatic migration solutions (Mudde, 2023). Proposed Solutions: Strengthening External Borders: Improving the security and management of the EU’s external borders is a key aspect of addressing the crisis. Enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries and the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies can help monitor and control migration flows. However, it is crucial to balance security measures with respect for human rights. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has been instrumental in these efforts, although it has faced criticism for alleged human rights violations (European Border and Coast Guard Agency, 2023). Fair Distribution of Migrants: A fair and equitable distribution of migrants among EU member states is essential for alleviating pressure on frontline countries. The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum, proposed in 2020, aims to establish a more balanced system by combining stronger border security with more equitable sharing of responsibility among member states (European Commission, 2020). However, its implementation has been slow and contentious, with some countries resisting mandatory quotas. Investment in Integration Programs: Effective integration programs are vital for helping migrants adapt to their new environments and contribute to their host societies. Language classes, vocational training, and community engagement initiatives can facilitate smoother integration. For instance, Germany’s integration courses include language lessons and cultural orientation, which have been shown to improve migrants’ prospects (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2022). Successful integration not only benefits migrants but also enriches the cultural and economic fabric of host countries. Addressing Root Causes: Long-term solutions to the migration crisis require addressing the root causes of migration, such as conflict, poverty, and political instability. International cooperation and development aid can help improve conditions in migrants’ home countries, reducing the need for dangerous journeys to Europe. Initiatives like the EU’s Emergency Trust Fund for Africa aim to foster stability and economic opportunities in regions with high emigration rates (United Nations, 2023). Conclusion: Europe’s immigration crisis is a
By Tamanna Yadav The United Kingdom‘s departure from the EU had a significant impact on the continent. The UK was a member of the EU since January 1973, but unfortunately, its membership come to an end in January 2020. While the UK had turned into an independent state, it faced several economic setbacks as it was establishing itself as a non-EU member state. The Trade Corporation Agreement (TAC) was signed between the two countries in December 2020 to help maintain the relationship that had existed for 47 years. The TAC laid the basis for trade, cooperation, and governance between the two countries. The UK has been trying to establish itself as a resourceful, strong-headed country while facing challenges along the way. EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement 2020: The United Kingdom exited the European Union on January 31, 2020, and both countries reached an agreement regarding their future relationship. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement was signed in December 2020 and, after the approval of the EU parliament, adopted by the British council (EU Trade Relations With the United Kingdom. Facts, Figures and Latest Developments., 2022). The United Kingdom (UK) European Union partnership is based on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which was applied on January 1, 2021, and came into force in May 2021. While the TCA is a trade agreement, it covers not just trade in sectors such as goods, services, and investment and also a range of areas falling in the EU’s interest, such as energy and sustainability, fishery, and air and road transport (EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement | Access2Markets, n.d.). The TCA will by no means be able to match the standard of economic integration that existed when the UK was an EU member, but the TCA goes beyond traditional free trade agreements. TCA provides a strong basis for preserving the longstanding relationship between the two countries, as it includes three major —-. First, a free trade agreement with cooperation on economic, social, environmental, and fishery issues. The FTA offers a new spectrum on issues of transport, energy, social security coordination, energy and sustainability, and state aid. Second, a close partnership on citizen’s security, which focuses on recognizing the need for cooperation between the judiciary and law enforcement authorities for fighting cross-border crime and terrorism. It also shed light on the fact that the UK being a non-EU state, will not receive the same facilities as before. Thirdly, an overarching horizontal governance framework. The horizontal agreement focuses on giving legal clarity to businesses and individuals about the functioning and process of the TAC. Furthermore, foreign policy, external security, and defence cooperation have not been covered by the agreement. There is therefore no framework set between the EU and the UK to coordinate the imposition of sanctions on countries since January 2021. As TAC is more focused on trade, it does not cover discussions on financial services, UK data protection regime. (The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, n.d.) Impact of the UK’s exit from the EU: The United Kingdom’s economy has faced a hit to the economy since Brexit. Trade, investment, and jobs have faced major difficulties with the new system at hand. Companies trading with the EU had faced challenges with the new framework, new rules, and new checks put in place. This put in fear over 550 billion euros of trade between the UK and its trading partners (David, 2023). Significantly, the direct impact of Brexit was the introduction of trade barriers, tariffs and quotas. Small scale firms faced several challenges in exporting goods as they were operating at a smaller level (Portes, 2023). A total of 71 trade deals are in the process of completion but have been stuck, considering a vast majority of the deals have been replicated since Britain was a part of the EU. The UK has signed deals with Australia, New Zealand, but it is doubtful if they will help boost the economy. In addition, there are talks of deals with India and members of a trans-Pacific pact. But it will take time for development and establishment. Trade deals with the US and China remain difficult to establish as an independent country as opposed to when the UK was an EU member. The UK government should let in more workers in the country as a lack of workers has resulted in shortages and increased bills for the customers. According to a study done by the think tanks centre of the European Reform have noticed that there are 330,000 fewer workers for jobs after Brexit. It might be a small proportion of total workers but difficulties are being faced in sectors such as transport, hospitality and retail (David, 2023). In conclusion, the UK’s exit from the EU has resulted in economic turmoil and challenges in the country. TAC is one such agreement to redefine the relationship between the UK and the EU. The TAC will help in reinforcing ties and help the UK to become an independent country. However, it underscores the complexities and challenges to overcome the effect of its exit on the economy, particularly the financial sector and foreign policy coordination. As both sides aim to navigate an improved future, it aims for negotiation and adjustments its way seeking to maximize job opportunities, and balancing trade with new partners. References
The impact of dictatorship or authoritative regimes on the mental health and overall psychology of individuals extremely depends on the history of the country and their people. I argue that countries that have a history of good leadership and good democracy, suffer more mentally if that very country falls under a dictatorship or authoritative regime, in contrast to countries with no history of good leadership or democracy, which have been under dictatorship for at least two generations. Often in authoritative regimes, rulers twist everything to their demands and needs. How they want the country to run, in their favour. Very often, in doing so, they also twist the minds of individuals, with propaganda, portraying themselves as gods, or supreme leaders, or in extreme cases, fear plays a bigger role in how people behave in a country, because of the regime they’re under. Similarly, with individuals living in closed dictatorship regimes, that have been running for at least two generations, how do the individuals feel, how is their mental health, and how do they react mentally, when they come in contact with a different country, a freer country compared to theirs? In this analysis report, I have used two articles, one of which was on Egypt, its dictatorship, its unstable government and the psychology of individuals living in such a state. This is a report on refugees who have escaped from North Korea, a closed dictatorship country with high control and censorship over their citizens, seeking refuge in South Korea, and China. Elsayed, Yasser Abdel Razek wrote an article on ‘Gods never fall sick or die dictatorship and mental health in Egypt’ which emphasised and brought out a perspective on the mental health of individuals living in Egypt, a country that has seen other forms of government and regimes around them, and they have been under an unstable government for a long time. As per Elsayed, Yasser Abdel Razek, corruption, loot, unemployment, suppression of freedom of speech and various other means of suppression through which, citizens get frustrated. Which leads to them hoping to get rid of their leaders. When that doesn’t happen, they hope for them to pass on naturally, and die a natural death. But after years of going through the same torment, and regime, individuals start to view them as inevitable supreme leaders, losing hope for a better tomorrow. In such countries, the socioeconomic problem is also a big factor that affects everyone’s mental health, not just in such countries, but generally too. But specifically in such countries, hopelessness, vulnerability to disasters, vulnerability in general, insecurity, and risk of torture or hurt increase tremendously. Fustration rises to a level where citizens believe their leader can do anything. They see them as supreme leaders, as mentioned before. Another study, done by Woo-Teak Jeon, MD, corresponding author Shi-Eun Yu, MA, Young-A Cho, PhD, and Jin-Sup Eom, MA on Refuges who escaped from North Korea, refuging in South Korea and analysed their mental health. They were hoping from an extreme dictatorship country to breathe the air of the other side. The paper is titled ‘Traumatic Experiences and Mental Health of North Korean Refugees in South Korea’. Which studied the trauma and experiences of individuals who escaped. In such regimes, escaping is close to impossible, hence it is quite given that casualties and difficulties will be encountered. The research gave an idea of how that affected individuals, and how the regime affected them. Individuals were also given personality assessments, which revealed that they (refuged North Koreans) scored higher than the South Koreans. In gender comparison, men showed more alcohol problems and non-support to others. A study was conducted before this paper in the 2000s called the Hong’s Report. Which reported and analyzed individuals from North Korea, who escaped and entered China. This has been compared with this paper, and a few striking points have been made in them. Firstly, between 2006 and 2007, there was a weakening in social control by the government, shown by the progress in their life, without any big change. Secondly, it showed that over time, the trauma of escaping and even before, living in a dictator country, had reduced. But later, another study by Yu, in 2006, showed that the trauma levels have increased again. Perhaps we could see the slipping of the tight hold that the dictator had. Furthermore, through these studies, it is indicated that looking for mental health issues in North Koreans was wrong because they had nothing wrong with them. What’s interesting is that, after their escape, that’s when they developed mania and Schizophonia, after coming in contact with the outside world. Perhaps because of the huge cultural shock and the vast difference between North Korea to any other country. The research also mentioned, that men and women also portrayed very different behaviours, men being the more aggressive alcoholics who were provided no social support in North Korea, compared to women, who showed more depressive tendencies. Interestingly, the North Korean refugees also were given the warmth test. This test evaluates how warm, loving and caring an individual is, to how cold or dismissive they are. The scale gives a spectrum of interpersonal relationships. As it turns out, females in North, and South Korea, have more or less the same level of warmth that they show, compared to men, refugees in North Korea, portray more warmth than South Korean men. This shows, that even with less social support to men, they are still warm in their interpersonal relations, hospitable, as well as more readily acceptable to others. The North Korean refugees, find it hard to adjust to the much freer society that South Korea is. With trauma and living life under major control, it will take support and understanding from South Korea, to integrate them into their society. And so is the case with major dictatorship countries, where trauma and bad experiences leave a mark on individuals, who don’t have mental illness, but get one when they seek refugee in other countries, other
