With the term statelessness gap, I refer to a phenomenon of exclusion that has multiple dimensions: The statelessness gap describes the phenomenon of millions of people being denied a nationality through gaps in the implementation of human rights norms, but also in the legal system of human rights itself. The statelessness gap also implies that there are gaps in the ways we understand and practice human rights, how we understand belonging and inclusion and how much we are willing to expand our perspectives beyond the legal narratives that describe our world.
The journey of exploring the statelessness gap and relevant social work engagement passes through three chapters: Firstly, I will map the terrain of the statelessness gap, contouring the phenomenon in its magnitude, constitution and severity. Then I will give an overview of the international responses to statelessness within the legal human rights system. For moving from what is to what could be, I will explore why statelessness matters to social work and on which basis social work can take action. Lastly, the human rights mandate in social work will inform three suggestions for social work action towards inclusion and belonging that could help to bridge the statelessness gap.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction: Anything interesting to say?
- Mapping the statelessness gap
- Statelessness: Contours of a multifaceted phenomenon
- Access denied: (Beyond) human rights violations
- Closing the gap: Approaches to solving statelessness within the UN
- The Statelessness Conventions
- Relevant UN mechanisms: Human Rights Council and treaty bodies
- From “prevention and protection” to ending statelessness until 2024
- Reflections on the international responses to statelessness
- Why statelessness matters to social work: Exploring the human rights mandate
- Bridging the gap: Social work action towards inclusion and belonging
- Advocacy action within the legal story
- Telling a different story: Practising inclusive citizenship
- Telling a different story: Translating human rights through global citizenship education
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to explore how international social work, as a human rights profession, can contribute to addressing the statelessness gap. It investigates the multifaceted nature of statelessness, examining its legal and human rights dimensions, and analyzes the limitations of current international responses. The study further explores the potential role of social work in promoting inclusion and belonging for stateless individuals.
- The multifaceted nature of statelessness and its impact on individuals.
- The limitations of existing international legal frameworks in addressing statelessness.
- The potential contributions of social work theory and practice to bridging the statelessness gap.
- The importance of advocacy and inclusive citizenship practices in promoting belonging.
- The role of human rights education in fostering global citizenship and combating statelessness.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: Anything interesting to say?: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis by recounting the author's personal experience encountering statelessness in Myanmar, highlighting the gap between international legal frameworks and on-the-ground realities. It introduces the concept of the "statelessness gap," encompassing not only legal and implementation deficiencies, but also gaps in our understanding of human rights, belonging, and inclusion. The chapter establishes the thesis's motivation to explore how social work can contribute to a more holistic approach to addressing statelessness.
Mapping the statelessness gap: This chapter provides a detailed overview of statelessness, defining its characteristics and illustrating its widespread impact. It explores the human rights violations experienced by stateless individuals, analyzing how the lack of nationality denies them fundamental rights and access to essential services. The chapter also reviews international responses to statelessness, focusing on the Statelessness Conventions and UN mechanisms, highlighting their successes and limitations. It examines the evolution of international approaches from “prevention and protection” to a goal of ending statelessness, critically evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts.
Why statelessness matters to social work: Exploring the human rights mandate: This chapter delves into the crucial role of social work in addressing statelessness, emphasizing its human rights mandate. It explores how social work’s principles and practices align with the pursuit of social justice for stateless people, highlighting the profession's unique capacity to approach the issue holistically. The chapter emphasizes the importance of social workers in advocating for policy changes, providing direct support to affected individuals, and promoting social inclusion. The chapter lays the theoretical groundwork for the practical applications explored in the subsequent chapter.
Bridging the gap: Social work action towards inclusion and belonging: This chapter outlines practical strategies for social work intervention in addressing statelessness. It discusses advocacy within the existing legal frameworks, highlighting how social workers can support individuals in navigating complex legal processes and advocating for policy reforms. The chapter also explores alternative approaches that move beyond solely legal narratives, focusing on fostering inclusive citizenship and promoting a sense of belonging through human rights education and community-based initiatives. The chapter provides tangible examples of how social work can contribute to creating more inclusive societies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Statelessness, human rights, social work, inclusion, belonging, advocacy, citizenship, global citizenship education, international law, UN conventions, human rights violations, legal frameworks, social justice, policy reform.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis explores how international social work, as a human rights profession, can contribute to addressing the statelessness gap. It investigates the multifaceted nature of statelessness, examining its legal and human rights dimensions, and analyzes the limitations of current international responses. The study further explores the potential role of social work in promoting inclusion and belonging for stateless individuals.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the multifaceted nature of statelessness and its impact; limitations of existing international legal frameworks; potential contributions of social work theory and practice; the importance of advocacy and inclusive citizenship practices; and the role of human rights education in fostering global citizenship and combating statelessness.
What does the thesis cover in its different chapters?
The thesis begins with an introduction setting the context and outlining the "statelessness gap." Chapter two maps the statelessness gap, defining statelessness, exploring its human rights violations, and reviewing international responses. Chapter three delves into the role of social work in addressing statelessness, emphasizing its human rights mandate. Finally, chapter four outlines practical strategies for social work intervention, including advocacy and inclusive citizenship practices.
What are the objectives of the study?
The thesis aims to understand how international social work can address the statelessness gap, investigate the multifaceted nature of statelessness, analyze limitations of current international responses, and explore the potential role of social work in promoting inclusion and belonging for stateless individuals.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include Statelessness, human rights, social work, inclusion, belonging, advocacy, citizenship, global citizenship education, international law, UN conventions, human rights violations, legal frameworks, social justice, and policy reform.
What is the "statelessness gap" referred to throughout the text?
The "statelessness gap" refers not only to legal and implementation deficiencies in addressing statelessness but also to gaps in understanding human rights, belonging, and inclusion related to statelessness. It highlights the disconnect between international legal frameworks and on-the-ground realities.
How does the thesis connect social work to the issue of statelessness?
The thesis argues that social work, with its human rights mandate and focus on social justice, is uniquely positioned to address statelessness holistically. It highlights social work's role in advocacy, direct support to stateless individuals, and promoting social inclusion.
What practical strategies for social work intervention are suggested?
The thesis suggests advocacy within existing legal frameworks, supporting individuals in navigating legal processes, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering inclusive citizenship through human rights education and community-based initiatives.
What is the significance of human rights education in this context?
Human rights education is presented as a crucial tool in fostering global citizenship and combating statelessness by promoting understanding and empathy towards stateless individuals and advocating for their rights.
- Quote paper
- Franka Rauch (Author), 2018, How can International Social work as a Human Rights Profession Contribute to Bridging the Statelessness Gap?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1041103
