Contagious Terror: Violence, Haunting and the Work of Refugee Protection

Abstract

This article argues that contrary to its humanitarian semblance, state-controlled refugee protection is a project of substantial violence, and that the violence of refugee protection is continuously disseminated through and across a wide range of unlikely actors and institutions. Drawing on Avery Gordon (2008) and Franz Fanon (1965), I show that the violence of refugee protection makes itself known in its haunting effects on those who come in contact with it in various capacities: those who carry through the work of refugee protection, such as refugee claim decision makers, lawyers and support workers, are plagued by psychological ailments that manifest in periodical burnouts, anxiety, melancholy, alcohol abuse, and unrelenting moral and emotional dilemmas. These ailments reveal the violence of refugee protection not just in relation to refugees, who are often construed as the exclusive subjects of violence, but also towards non-refugees who come into contact with “protection” work.

Mental health effects of working as a legal professional in the field of asylum law: a systematic review

“…Study characteristics are summarised in table 2 and studyspecific findings are presented in online supplemental appendix D. Four studies were completed within the UK and Ireland, four in the USA, two in Canada and one in Australia. Sample sizes ranged from 6 to 718 participants (one paper 18 did not report sample size). A variety of legal professionals participated, including immigration judges, legal representatives (some specified using Reports not retrieved:…”

“…Two studies did not adequately state their aims, 18 19 and three did not provide a clear statement of findings. [18][19][20] Across the studies there was poor reporting of methodology including recruitment strategy, 18 21-23 data collection 18 19 21 22 and method of analysis. 18 19 21 22 Only two studies adequately reported on ethical issues, 19 21 22 while only one reported on the relationship between researcher and participants.…”

“…In all studies, participants indicated that certain people seem to be able to 'last' in the profession and do not get affected, and others are more emotionally impacted and are, therefore, not suited to working in asylum law. This links to subtheme, 'burn-out then drop-out', but within this subtheme, participants specifically reported that Baillot et al 20 Graffin 27 Masoumi 18 Rousseau and Foxen 21 Sagy 22 Westaby 23 Harris and Mellinger 19 Lustig et al…”

“Our community needs to heal”: Using Photovoice to Explore Intergenerational Memories of Civil War with Young Central Americans in Toronto

“…The haunting of history appears in everyday realities through the work of institutions, organizations and popular forms of media. Azar Masoumi (2021) writes that Canada as a state-controlled refugee protection, contrary to its humanitarian narrative, is a site of substantial original violence travelling across actors and institutions. Masouni notes that…”

The Mental Health Impact of Working in Asylum Law: A Systematic Review

“…16 The quality of qualitative papers was assessed using the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Research Checklist. 17 Both checklists were completed by one reviewer and the wider research team was consulted about any uncertainties.…”