Striving for justice and freedom in the world of migration and development - a practitioner’s perspective

Abstract

The subject of migration has become increasingly popular, especially in Malta. This is positive because it can provide our island with the necessary research and the capacity for addressing the various needs related to migration. Relatively little of this effort has, however, been used by governments in policy making and national planning. Usually, demographic control, economic interest and cultural concerns cause highly defensive reactions that leave little room for strategic, innovative, cohesive evidence-based solutions. Two issues can also stump the realisation of justice in these processes. First, if researchers, academics, students and organisations do not take a proactive and participatory approach, perhaps one can say a political approach, then such work cannot advance the interests of justice. When individuals and communities decide to take a position and engage politically, they do not remain as observants looking through the lens, they make a decision, they commit themselves to bring change.