Problem

Forced repatriation

Other Names:
Refoulement of refugees
Nature:

Despite the fact that the principle of non-refoulement stands as a central principle in the Geneva Convention as well as in international conventions regarding civil and political rights, it is systematically violated. Procedures for determination of refugee status may not be carried out in good faith, thereby greatly increasing the likelihood that genuine refugees are refouled in violation of the recognized principle of non-refoulement. In addition, where forcible repatriation would subject an individual to substantial risk of human rights abuse, the repatriating country breaches its own international obligations.

Incidence:

Vietnamese boat people were extremely reluctant to return to their country after the end of the war in their country, choosing to stay for year in unsatisfactory camp conditions in other Southeast Asian countries in the hope of repatriation in the West. Many refused, point blank, to return and some were forcibly repatriated. In December 1989, Hong Kong deported 51 Vietnamese boat people, men, women and children, apparently forcibly, and aroused such condemnation in Europe and America that it did not try this method again.

Forcible repatriation of Haitian refugees was been used by the Clinton administration in the USA. During one week in 1992, more than 4,000 Haitians were reported to have reached the Florida coastline in hopes of entering the US.

Related Problems:
Expulsion
Lack of patriotism
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems
Date of last update
17.10.2021 – 07:48 CEST