Forced repatriation
Name(s):
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 refarding divil 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 have been extremely reluctant to return to their country after the end of the war, choosing to stay for year in unsatisfactory camp conditions in other Southeast Asian countries in the hope of repatriation in the West. Many refuse, point blank, to return and some have been forceably 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 has not tried this method again. Forcible repatriation of Haitian refugees has 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.
Claim
Asylum-seekers must be treated as refugees - even the "economic migrants" - if they have a well-founded fear of persecution upon return. No person should be sent back to a country where he or she fears discriminatory action or serious life-threatening situations. In cases where the competent government authorities decide not to accept asylum seekers, arguing that they are not true refugees, these authorities are duty-bound to make sure that such people will be guaranteed a secure and free existence elsewhere.
Counter-claim
International treaties provide for the repatriation of illegal immigrants to their country of origin.
Broader
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Strategy(ies)
Value(s)
Type
(D) Detailed problems