Joel Quirk
@joelquirk.bsky.social
Enslavement and Abolition, Mobility and Work, Social Movements, Gender and Violence, Historical Repair, the Politics and History of Africa. Wits Politics Prof
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Check out our new #callforpapers! This issue will highlight examples of cross-sectoral, cross-movement solidarities to fight marginalisation and oppression 👉🏼https://antitraffickingreview.org/index.php/atrjournal/announcement/view/51
Guest editors @drellac.bsky.social and @joelquirk.bsky.social
Guest editors @drellac.bsky.social and @joelquirk.bsky.social
January 21, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Check out our new #callforpapers! This issue will highlight examples of cross-sectoral, cross-movement solidarities to fight marginalisation and oppression 👉🏼https://antitraffickingreview.org/index.php/atrjournal/announcement/view/51
Guest editors @drellac.bsky.social and @joelquirk.bsky.social
Guest editors @drellac.bsky.social and @joelquirk.bsky.social
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Here's a sneak peek at a tiny slice of the research included in my new book, THE CROWN'S SILENCE (available for pre-order now and out tomorrow, 1/27)!!! @marinerbooks.bsky.social #booksky #slaveryarchive
www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-...
www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-...
The British Crown Enslaved Thousands at the Height of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. New Research Reveals Their Stories
A leading historian examines how the monarchy not only tolerated slavery but also administered it, profited from it and sanctioned its cruelties
www.smithsonianmag.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Here's a sneak peek at a tiny slice of the research included in my new book, THE CROWN'S SILENCE (available for pre-order now and out tomorrow, 1/27)!!! @marinerbooks.bsky.social #booksky #slaveryarchive
www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-...
www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Today is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
We stand in solidarity with sex workers. We mourn the lives lost to anti-sex work bias. We demand systemic change to create a world where sex workers are respected, supported, and safe.
Read our statement here: bit.ly/4p4WPWr
We stand in solidarity with sex workers. We mourn the lives lost to anti-sex work bias. We demand systemic change to create a world where sex workers are respected, supported, and safe.
Read our statement here: bit.ly/4p4WPWr
December 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Today is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
We stand in solidarity with sex workers. We mourn the lives lost to anti-sex work bias. We demand systemic change to create a world where sex workers are respected, supported, and safe.
Read our statement here: bit.ly/4p4WPWr
We stand in solidarity with sex workers. We mourn the lives lost to anti-sex work bias. We demand systemic change to create a world where sex workers are respected, supported, and safe.
Read our statement here: bit.ly/4p4WPWr
words no longer mean anything....
'terrorist' (now used to justify attacks on boats in the Caribbean)
'refugee' (now used to justify sending privileged white South Africans to the US)
'weapon of mass destruction' (this one is so stupid it isn't clear what is going on here)
'terrorist' (now used to justify attacks on boats in the Caribbean)
'refugee' (now used to justify sending privileged white South Africans to the US)
'weapon of mass destruction' (this one is so stupid it isn't clear what is going on here)
December 16, 2025 at 12:22 PM
words no longer mean anything....
'terrorist' (now used to justify attacks on boats in the Caribbean)
'refugee' (now used to justify sending privileged white South Africans to the US)
'weapon of mass destruction' (this one is so stupid it isn't clear what is going on here)
'terrorist' (now used to justify attacks on boats in the Caribbean)
'refugee' (now used to justify sending privileged white South Africans to the US)
'weapon of mass destruction' (this one is so stupid it isn't clear what is going on here)
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Late sharing cos was unwell, but here’s our farewell from openDemocracy’s Beyond Trafficking & Slavery.
What a privilege to have been part of the editorial team. I learnt so much from our incredible contributors & the amazing Cam Thibos, Melissa Pawson & @joelquirk.bsky.social . Thank you all ❤️
What a privilege to have been part of the editorial team. I learnt so much from our incredible contributors & the amazing Cam Thibos, Melissa Pawson & @joelquirk.bsky.social . Thank you all ❤️
Our final editorial: THANK YOU to everyone who helped us make BTS a success over the past 11 years. We will forever be in your debt, and we will miss you! Take care.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Farewell, from Beyond Trafficking and Slavery
After 11 years of publishing, the team at Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is moving on to new projects. Thank you for joining us!
www.opendemocracy.net
December 12, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Late sharing cos was unwell, but here’s our farewell from openDemocracy’s Beyond Trafficking & Slavery.
What a privilege to have been part of the editorial team. I learnt so much from our incredible contributors & the amazing Cam Thibos, Melissa Pawson & @joelquirk.bsky.social . Thank you all ❤️
What a privilege to have been part of the editorial team. I learnt so much from our incredible contributors & the amazing Cam Thibos, Melissa Pawson & @joelquirk.bsky.social . Thank you all ❤️
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Gentle reminder that the European Union was established because the first four decades of our 20th century were mostly internecine war and genocide.
December 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Gentle reminder that the European Union was established because the first four decades of our 20th century were mostly internecine war and genocide.
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Our final editorial: THANK YOU to everyone who helped us make BTS a success over the past 11 years. We will forever be in your debt, and we will miss you! Take care.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Farewell, from Beyond Trafficking and Slavery
After 11 years of publishing, the team at Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is moving on to new projects. Thank you for joining us!
www.opendemocracy.net
December 1, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Our final editorial: THANK YOU to everyone who helped us make BTS a success over the past 11 years. We will forever be in your debt, and we will miss you! Take care.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
The post-colonial settlement has left Africa vulnerable to conflict, external pressure, and intellectual dependency. What comes next? africasacountry.com/2025/12/beyo...
Beyond independence
The post-colonial settlement has left Africa vulnerable to conflict, external pressure, and intellectual dependency. What comes next?
africasacountry.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The post-colonial settlement has left Africa vulnerable to conflict, external pressure, and intellectual dependency. What comes next? africasacountry.com/2025/12/beyo...
Beyond slavery and trafficking was supposed to be a one-year project. Our plan: public education
Eleven years later we are finally signing off
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Eleven years later we are finally signing off
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Farewell, from Beyond Trafficking and Slavery
After 11 years of publishing, the team at Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is moving on to new projects. Thank you for joining us!
www.opendemocracy.net
December 1, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Beyond slavery and trafficking was supposed to be a one-year project. Our plan: public education
Eleven years later we are finally signing off
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Eleven years later we are finally signing off
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
New #CallforPapers! This issue will aim to highlight cases of intersectional, intermovement alliance and solidarity building between different marginalised and oppressed groups. See call 👉🏼 www.antitraffickingreview.org/index.php/at... Guest editors @drellac.bsky.social & @joelquirk.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 10:07 AM
New #CallforPapers! This issue will aim to highlight cases of intersectional, intermovement alliance and solidarity building between different marginalised and oppressed groups. See call 👉🏼 www.antitraffickingreview.org/index.php/at... Guest editors @drellac.bsky.social & @joelquirk.bsky.social
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Will American anti-trafficking ever recover from Trump 2.0?
Will American anti-trafficking ever recover from Trump 2.0?
The White House is dangerously close to making anti-trafficking what the critics always said it was: flash and fluff
bit.ly
November 27, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Will American anti-trafficking ever recover from Trump 2.0?
Reposted by Joel Quirk
This is something we've raised since "day one" rights were first mentioned.
Farm workers here on temporary visas remain without unfair dismissal protections-even when returning every year.
Last yr we had 145 dismissal cases: used as a threat, used when people complain, used to maintain power.
Farm workers here on temporary visas remain without unfair dismissal protections-even when returning every year.
Last yr we had 145 dismissal cases: used as a threat, used when people complain, used to maintain power.
Much will be said about this, but I can't help but think that the biggest losers will be seasonal agricultural workers.
The six-month threshold is meaningless since their visa forces them to leave the country before it kicks in. It will remain completely legal to sack them unfairly at any time.
The six-month threshold is meaningless since their visa forces them to leave the country before it kicks in. It will remain completely legal to sack them unfairly at any time.
Government to ditch day-one unfair dismissal policy from workers’ rights bill
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 AM
This is something we've raised since "day one" rights were first mentioned.
Farm workers here on temporary visas remain without unfair dismissal protections-even when returning every year.
Last yr we had 145 dismissal cases: used as a threat, used when people complain, used to maintain power.
Farm workers here on temporary visas remain without unfair dismissal protections-even when returning every year.
Last yr we had 145 dismissal cases: used as a threat, used when people complain, used to maintain power.
Have you been wondering what the hell is going on with US human trafficking policy under Trump 2.0?
In the link below you will find a deep dive interview I did with Ambassador Luis C.deBaca, who used to run the TIP office back in the day.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
In the link below you will find a deep dive interview I did with Ambassador Luis C.deBaca, who used to run the TIP office back in the day.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Is Trump 2.0 killing off US anti-trafficking work?
The White House is dangerously close to making anti-trafficking what the critics always said it was: flash and fluff
www.opendemocracy.net
November 27, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Have you been wondering what the hell is going on with US human trafficking policy under Trump 2.0?
In the link below you will find a deep dive interview I did with Ambassador Luis C.deBaca, who used to run the TIP office back in the day.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
In the link below you will find a deep dive interview I did with Ambassador Luis C.deBaca, who used to run the TIP office back in the day.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Delighted to co-author this piece urging the de-silo-ing of anti-trafficking work, & genuine solidarity with grassroots movements.
Why can't anti-trafficking be more radical?
Why can't anti-trafficking be more radical?
Anti-trafficking has always been the handmaiden of Global North power, never its rebellious daughter. Let’s change that
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Delighted to co-author this piece urging the de-silo-ing of anti-trafficking work, & genuine solidarity with grassroots movements.
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Our Human Trafficking Lead @mayal-n.bsky.social has written about the growing attack on sexual freedoms, the (mis)use of anti-trafficking frameworks to do so, + the opportunity it has given us to join an incredible alliance of feminist LGBTI rights activists: www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
A bizarre new alliance is coming after sexual freedoms
Radical feminists and religious groups teamed up against sex work. Now they’re going after broader reproductive freedoms
www.opendemocracy.net
November 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Our Human Trafficking Lead @mayal-n.bsky.social has written about the growing attack on sexual freedoms, the (mis)use of anti-trafficking frameworks to do so, + the opportunity it has given us to join an incredible alliance of feminist LGBTI rights activists: www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Latest in our solidarities series: fascinating reflections on striking workers in South Africa finding common ground with Palestine solidarity activists. I like that this series doesn’t shy away from tensions & challenges, as well as benefits.
By Maya Bhardwaj for @beyondslavery.bsky.social .
By Maya Bhardwaj for @beyondslavery.bsky.social .
Clover in South Africa: where workers’ rights met Palestine solidarity
Clover in South Africa: where workers’ rights met Palestine solidarity
When dairy workers made common cause with Palestine solidarity activists, the result was radical love in the public square
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Latest in our solidarities series: fascinating reflections on striking workers in South Africa finding common ground with Palestine solidarity activists. I like that this series doesn’t shy away from tensions & challenges, as well as benefits.
By Maya Bhardwaj for @beyondslavery.bsky.social .
By Maya Bhardwaj for @beyondslavery.bsky.social .
Reposted by Joel Quirk
When dairy workers made common cause with Palestine solidarity activists, the result was radical love in the public square
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
The time workers’ rights teamed up with Palestine solidarity
When dairy workers made common cause with Palestine solidarity activists, the result was radical love in the public square
www.opendemocracy.net
November 25, 2025 at 4:43 PM
When dairy workers made common cause with Palestine solidarity activists, the result was radical love in the public square
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Our final feature is rolling out! We wanted to end on a positive note, so asked a bunch of amazing people to write about their experiences with cross-movement solidarity and organising. We're very excited to share it with you. Enjoy! www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Solidarity beyond silos is our best bet to end exploitation
Far-right bullies are on the rise, and exploitation will likely rise with them. Cross-movement organising is the only way out
www.opendemocracy.net
November 17, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Our final feature is rolling out! We wanted to end on a positive note, so asked a bunch of amazing people to write about their experiences with cross-movement solidarity and organising. We're very excited to share it with you. Enjoy! www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Radical feminists and religious groups got into bed together once. Now they're broadening the affair, says @gaatw.bsky.social www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
A bizarre new alliance is coming after sexual freedoms
Radical feminists and religious groups teamed up against sex work. Now they’re going after broader reproductive freedoms
www.opendemocracy.net
November 24, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Radical feminists and religious groups got into bed together once. Now they're broadening the affair, says @gaatw.bsky.social www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
‘An indictment of the trade union movement’: Why no one is organising seasonal workers
‘An indictment of the trade union movement’: Why no one is organising seasonal workers
Farm workers go on unofficial strikes as their temporary visas create barriers to union membership
bit.ly
November 12, 2025 at 7:02 AM
‘An indictment of the trade union movement’: Why no one is organising seasonal workers
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Why can't anti-trafficking be more radical?
Why can't anti-trafficking be more radical?
Anti-trafficking has always been the handmaiden of Global North power, never its rebellious daughter. Let’s change that
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Why can't anti-trafficking be more radical?
Reposted by Joel Quirk
🚨Publication Alert🚨
Just out, the final argument in my decades plus long research on humanitarian borders.
"Humanitarian Borders, Safe Passage Campaigns, and the (Re)Production of Unequal Mobility"
doi.org/10.1093/9780...
Just out, the final argument in my decades plus long research on humanitarian borders.
"Humanitarian Borders, Safe Passage Campaigns, and the (Re)Production of Unequal Mobility"
doi.org/10.1093/9780...
Humanitarian Borders, Safe Passage Campaigns, and the (Re)Production of Unequal Mobility
Abstract. This article revisits the scholarly debates and activist actions around what have become known as ‘humanitarian borders’. The article shows how h
doi.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:09 PM
🚨Publication Alert🚨
Just out, the final argument in my decades plus long research on humanitarian borders.
"Humanitarian Borders, Safe Passage Campaigns, and the (Re)Production of Unequal Mobility"
doi.org/10.1093/9780...
Just out, the final argument in my decades plus long research on humanitarian borders.
"Humanitarian Borders, Safe Passage Campaigns, and the (Re)Production of Unequal Mobility"
doi.org/10.1093/9780...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Despite huge sums spent on anti-trafficking, there are staggeringly few evaluations of interventions & growing evidence of harms caused.
This new edited book with @uclpress.bsky.social is our attempt to help change that. 1/
Open access with free digital downloads: uclpress.co.uk/book/evaluat...
This new edited book with @uclpress.bsky.social is our attempt to help change that. 1/
Open access with free digital downloads: uclpress.co.uk/book/evaluat...
Evaluating Anti-Trafficking Interventions
Explore the complexities of trafficking and the importance of effective evaluation in anti-trafficking interventions and measures.
uclpress.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Despite huge sums spent on anti-trafficking, there are staggeringly few evaluations of interventions & growing evidence of harms caused.
This new edited book with @uclpress.bsky.social is our attempt to help change that. 1/
Open access with free digital downloads: uclpress.co.uk/book/evaluat...
This new edited book with @uclpress.bsky.social is our attempt to help change that. 1/
Open access with free digital downloads: uclpress.co.uk/book/evaluat...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Kicking us off is a fantastic piece about solidarities in action by Elene Lam & @chanellegallant.bsky.social .
Lots to learn here from Butterfly about how Asian migrant sex workers have organised across silos in Canada and the US.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Lots to learn here from Butterfly about how Asian migrant sex workers have organised across silos in Canada and the US.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
In the fight for sex workers’ rights, this is solidarity
Over 300 migrant sex workers took on city hall to keep their businesses, showing the power of collective organising
www.opendemocracy.net
November 10, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Kicking us off is a fantastic piece about solidarities in action by Elene Lam & @chanellegallant.bsky.social .
Lots to learn here from Butterfly about how Asian migrant sex workers have organised across silos in Canada and the US.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Lots to learn here from Butterfly about how Asian migrant sex workers have organised across silos in Canada and the US.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Joel Quirk
Next out in our final @beyondslavery.bsky.social feature is this brilliant piece by Jake Hall about Wages for Housework.
An important historical lens on solidarities beyond silos on the global stage, and the legacies of this trailblazing movement.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
An important historical lens on solidarities beyond silos on the global stage, and the legacies of this trailblazing movement.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
How Wages for Housework sparked an international movement
The 1970s movement paved the way for queer, Black, trans and sex working feminist organising across the world today
www.opendemocracy.net
November 11, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Next out in our final @beyondslavery.bsky.social feature is this brilliant piece by Jake Hall about Wages for Housework.
An important historical lens on solidarities beyond silos on the global stage, and the legacies of this trailblazing movement.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
An important historical lens on solidarities beyond silos on the global stage, and the legacies of this trailblazing movement.
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...