https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119985 2026-04-08T07:32:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120139 Title: Policies of the Maltese government related to the treatment of irregular migrants from 2015-2021 Abstract: This study will examine the policies of the Maltese government related to the treatment of irregular migrants and the Maltese cultural attitudes towards migration. To gain a better understanding of this topic, the researcher analysed current research policies, NGO reports, government strategies, interviews with migrants, surveys with locals, and spoke directly with members of the human rights directorate for more missing data on integration programs. Our results show that the Maltese migration policies have only recently focused on integration efforts. Key aspects of its strategy are missing to integrate migrants into Maltese society effectively. Additionally, their 2020 annual report assessing the program has yet to be published. This research aims to provide a general analysis of the positive and negative factors relating to migration policies and attitudes towards migration and migrants. The researcher's goal is that this framework will lay the groundwork for future research within the field of conflict analysis and resolution. Description: Dual Masters; M.SC.CONFLICT ANALYSIS&RES.; M.A. CRMS(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120137 Title: The effects of conflict on trade : comparative study of conflicts between Russia and post-Soviet republics Abstract: This study analyzes the effects that violent conflict has a on trade. Specifically, in regard to situations in which Russia and post-Soviet Republics are in conflict. It is hypothesized that depending on the trade partnership—dyadic or triadic—conflict will have a different effect on trade. While it is inconclusive, how violent conflict affects trade—and how trade affects violent conflict—other insights and patterns are discerned. The characteristics of the contemporary, global economy undermine traditional perspectives of the conflict-trade nexus, calling for a revision of such perspectives. Trade lost on account of conflict is often replaced by trade with a new party, or trade levels shift with an existing trade partner. This notion as ramifications for states’ foreign policy and the issuance of sanctions. Description: Dual Masters; M.Sc.(Melit.); M.A. CRMS(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120126 Title: The religious historical continuity of Maltese identity : the role it plays on protracted displacement Abstract: A sizable portion of the fervently Catholic Maltese culture rejects the Church's modern social teachings that call for welcoming foreigners, especially the most vulnerable. This paper strives to comprehend how this religious identity contributes to the negative perceptions of others, particularly of refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular migrants. It is possible to draw on Vamik Volkan's idea of comprehending the anxieties and trepidations of the host country by looking at historical events that Maltese identity theorists have highlighted as significant and alive in the collective memory. Finding negotiables, non-negotiables, and patterns that will help aid a narrative shift to one of multiculturalism and favourable attitudes toward the other will be made possible by content analysis and contribute to the ongoing conversation about collective memory. I hope to accomplish this by examining how Malta's religious salience and perceptions, alongside the arrival of foreigners, have shaped Maltese identity. Therefore, a historical analysis of religious identity may offer individualized identity management techniques that aid in promoting a change in perception in the host nation and, as a result, lessen protracted displacement. Description: Dual Masters; M.Sc.(Melit.); M.A. CRMS(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120071 Title: I am #notatarget : the development of ICRC security procedures in response to attacks on humanitarian aid workers Abstract: With each passing year, the cycle of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises places more and more people in need of humanitarian assistance. From the changing climate leading to droughts and various dangerous weather conditions placing people at risk, to the growing number of refugees and internally displaced people, humanitarian aid organisations have their work cut out for them to assist those in need. From 2015 to 2020 the estimated number of people in need of humanitarian assistance grew from 125 million to 166.5 million with funding pleas up to almost thirty billion US dollars by the end of this period to target and cater for just around 65% of those in need. With pledged funding, the staff of humanitarian aid organisations set up assistance programmes, healthcare facilities, refugee camps and other initiatives to meet the needs of those at risk. As such, in order to reach their target populations, humanitarian aid workers must also operate in dangerous areas placing them at risk of taking collateral damage or being targeted intentionally. Between 2015 and 2020, the reported security incidents involving humanitarian aid workers grew incrementally from 289 to 484. These figures partly reflect the growing number of humanitarian aid workers globally. Meanwhile, while the International Committee of the Red Cross’ (ICRC) staff grew from some 14,000 staff members to about 20,000 between during the same period, it is reported that the number of security incidents involving their staff decreased by about 60% during the six-year period. This dissertation sets out to understand the context in which humanitarian aid workers operate, the security incidents they face and how the ICRC goes about their security management for their staff in the field. While most ICRC security related documents are confidential and unavailable for research purposes, this research examines open-source documents, academic articles, media posts and journalistic articles to extrapolate as much context and detail as possible within the scope of this study. This is done with the aim of understanding the ICRC’s security management and to further suggest the adoption and adaptation of effective security strategies to other humanitarian aid organisations. Description: Dual Masters; M.SC.CONFLICT ANALYSIS&RES.; M.A. CRMS(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z