Grassroot Organisations and the logics of humanitarianism: the framing of and actions towards People on the Move on the Aegean Island of Lesvos

Abstract

This research analyses the ways in which Grassroots Organisations (GOs) interact with the logics of humanitarianism, while providing assistancetothe People on theMove (POM) on Lesvos, Greece. In doing so, it investigates how GOs position themselves vis-a-vis the core humanitarian principles (humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence). Incorporating evidence from participant observation and semi- structured interviews, this study demonstrates that GOs tended to embrace the principle of humanity, independence, and impartiality (to an extent that the current socio-political situation allows), while strictly non-conforming to the principle of neutrality. Upon consideration of their approach towards, and the framing of the People on the Move, the praxes of Grassroots Organisations have been found to stand in sharp contrast to the functioning of the well-established humanitarian actors. Consequently, GOs contested the harms and violence of the current European border regime and Greek approach to migration, through a variety of practices of a varying political character. Ultimately, addressing the time and scope limitations, this research recommends that future academic enquiries evaluate factors accounting for the establishment, development, and disappearance of GOs, which would allow for...