Iraqi refugees and the humanitarian costs of the Iraq war: What role for social work?

Abstract

Harding S, Libal K. Iraqi refugees and the humanitarian costs of the Iraq war: what role for social work? The US‐led invasion and war in Iraq has created one of the most significant refugee crises in recent decades. International nongovernmental organizations have partnered with local organizations in Jordan and Syria to provide humanitarian aid to some two million displaced Iraqis. Field research indicates that, as with other humanitarian crises, few trained social workers have contributed to policy and practice with displaced Iraqis. The case of Iraq provides an opportunity to consider how the social work profession can shape comprehensive global refugee policies and programs. This role is appropriate, given mandates for the profession to promote social justice and human rights. Using the case of Iraqi displacement, we illustrate the complexities of humanitarian services provision and the need for trained social workers to participate in humanitarian relief and development programs. We argue that a variety of social work institutions and actors should become more robust advocates for shaping just refugee policy and practice.

Psychosocial support among refugees of conflict in developing countries

“…There is a considerable social cost to forced displacement that needs specialized professional services in the humanitarian field (Harding & Libal, 2012). Roberts and Browne's (2011) literature review showed a strong negative influence of forced migration on mental health, and found that mental health risk factors for populations affected by war in low/middle income countries are different from those who are in high income countries.…”

A Practical Approach to Counseling Refugees: Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

“…These may be brought on by the stress of residing in refugee camps or the required adjustments to life in the U.S. (Jamil et al, 2005). Several studies have identified pre-and post-migration experiences that increase newcomer susceptibility to emotional distress (Harding & Libal, 2012;Jamil & Ventimiglia, 2010;Montgomery et al, 2014;Schweitzer, Melville, Steel, & Lacherez, 2006;Willard, Rabin, & Lawless, 2014). Furthermore, within some communities of resettled refugees, the suicide rate may be more than three times as high as in the general U.S. population (Refugee Health Technical Assistance Center, n.d.).…”

“…While literature in working effectively with refugees has flourished in related helping professions including social work (Austin, & Este, 2001;Deacon, & Sullivan, 2009;Harding & Libal, 2012) and health care (Barko, Farkhouri, & Arnetz, 2011;Jamil et al, 2005;Prince et al, 2007), there is a dearth of literature in professional counseling journals specific to this population. The purpose of this paper is to provide counselors with information specific to the refugee experience and strategies for working with this population.…”

Between a Rock and a Hard place: a Trauma-Informed Approach to Documenting the Traumatic Experiences of Tamil Refugees

“…Since its inception, the social work profession has maintained a strong commitment to w orking with disenfranchised populations. Social workers have done extensive work with people who are impoverished and oppressed, yet, as a profession, social workers have done comparatively little work with refugees (Harding and Libal 2012). Refugees typically experience dislocation, persecution, and significant cultural adjustments, making them a highly vulnerable population deserving more attention from social work and other helping professions (Weaver and Burns 2001).…”