Cinpoes, Radu ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4930-5609 (2025) Chapter 11. Human rights education in times of adversity: UK government agenda on refugee issues. In: Hurley, Stephen and Monaghan, Chris, (eds.) Teaching of Rights and Justice in the Law School: Challenges and Opportunities for Research Led Teaching. Routledge - Taylor and Francis Group, London, pp. 160-178. ISBN 978-1003457985 (doi:10.4324/9781003457985-11)

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Abstract

One of the key areas of focus on the agenda of the UK government concerns the issue of refugees. Public and political debates about refugees and about migration more broadly have gained prominence at least since the 2010 elections when the Conservative Party gained power. In the last few years, however, the articulation of the notion of ‘legal/illegal’ in relation to refugees has become particularly problematic, especially in terms of how it relates to national and international human rights law. This phenomenon is part of a wider backlash against human rights in general. The purpose of this chapter is to engage with these dynamics on the basis of the impact this public narrative has on how academics approach social justice teaching in the higher education context. In particular, the chapter will address the challenges associated with distinguishing between ‘neutral’ and ‘objective’ approaches to such controversial issues and will discuss the role research-informed teaching practices have in engaging with students in the critical examination of current legal and political issues.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	human rights, education, UK, refugees, policy
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General) K Law > K Law (General) L Education > L Education (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS)
Last Modified:	01 Dec 2025 11:46
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50443

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