The Research Centre on Peripheral Populations emerged from a collaboration between researchers at the University of Westminster and policy makers, academics and activist organisations. To mark its launch, the Centre hosted a Roundtable Discussion on the Role of Technology in Human Trafficking and Smuggling on Thursday 12 September 2024.
The Centre defines peripheral populations broadly, to include individuals who are isolated, marginalised or excluded from mainstream society. It examines the lived experiences of these populations in their social, economic, cultural, political and spatial contexts, how they construct and preserve identities, how their intersecting social characteristics shape their experiences, and the networks they rely on for support. The Centre is led by Professor Lilian Miles and Dr Maria Granados from Westminster Business School. Dr Anne Line Rodriguez is the Centre’s Research Fellow.
Bringing external organisations together with colleagues at the University of Westminster, the roundtable launch event addressed various topics related to technology and human trafficking and smuggling.
The speaker panel, which consisted of key members from Stop the Traffik, NatCen International and Meta, and the University of Westminster’s Professor Roza Tsagarousianou and Dr Alex Bolotov, discussed issues such as how emerging technological advancements are being weaponised by human smugglers for the exploitation of migrants and citizens, the role of social media as a means of facilitating trafficking and, conversely, how migrants can use technology to access support and protection.
The event also explored what forms of international solidarity among UN agencies, NGOs and regulatory networks are necessary to tackle digitally enabled smuggling and trafficking.
About the event, Professor Lilian Miles said: "It is very exciting to bring researchers, technology experts and organisations working directly in the sphere of human trafficking and smuggling together to debate critical issues surrounding technology and people smuggling. We have identified specific areas for further research which we will engage with, to lead to a deeper understanding of the topic. ”
About the launch of the Research Centre, Dr Maria Granados said: “Our first event demonstrates the novel and transdisciplinary work of our centre. We will continue stimulating these conversations and producing impactful and innovative research that helps to transform societies where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Read more about the Research Centre on Peripheral Populations, and keep an eye on the University’s events page for further research activities led by the team.
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