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Migrants’ Agency and Mobilisation in Times of Crisis: London’s Latin American Community Navigating the Impact of Covid-19
NIESR
2024.10.14
This research highlights how London’s Latin American community came together to tackle the challenges of Covid-19. Migrant-led groups played a crucial role by adapting services, forming new volunteer efforts, and advocating for the community’s rights. It shows that while crises can make migrants more vulnerable, they also empower them to take action. Migrants are not passive victims in crises―they’re key players in shaping solutions.
This paper explores how London‘s Latin American community organised in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Drawing on fieldwork from three separate research projects, the study examines the collective actions of Latin Americans, particularly focusing on Colombian parents who moved to London from Spain, the broader impacts of Covid-19 and Brexit on Latin Americans in the city, and the effectiveness of a healthcare initiative spearheaded by a local charity. The research identifies three core ways in which the community mobilised: by adapting existing services, forming new volunteer groups, and working with advocacy organisations to raise awareness about the structural inequalities faced by migrants.
The study highlights the dual nature of crises for migrant communities, revealing both increased vulnerabilities and opportunities for agency. Migrant-led groups were central to supporting the community, addressing immediate healthcare needs, and advocating for systemic change. The findings challenge the notion of migrants as passive recipients of aid, positioning them instead as active agents in crisis response. This has implications for policymakers, who should recognise the capacity of migrant communities to drive solutions and support their initiatives, particularly in times of crisis. By acknowledging the agency of migrants, policy can better respond to their needs and leverage their leadership to build more resilient communities.