What is the Definition of Coercive Repatriation?
Definition of Coercive Repatriation
Coercive repatriation (interchangeably coerced repatriation), also known as forced deportation, is defined as a controversial practice that involves the removal of individuals from a country against their will. This often occurs irrespective of whether an individual has violated immigration laws, overstayed their visa or is considered a threat to national security. While some argue that coercive repatriation is necessary to maintain order and protect national interests, human rights advocates view it as a violation of human rights.
Can a Host Country Coercively Repatriate an Individual Where Their Life or Freedom Would Be Threatened?
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Handbook on Voluntary Repatriation, the host country of asylum is bound by the fundamental principle of non-refoulement and must not to return refugees in any manner whatsoever to territories, or to the frontiers of territories, where their life or freedom would be threatened. The country of asylum is obliged to continue to treat refugees according to internationally accepted standards as long as they are on its territory.
Is Coercive Repatriation Cruel and Degrading Treatment?
One of the primary concerns surrounding coerced repatriation is the potential for abuse and mistreatment of individuals being deported. Many individuals who are forcibly removed from a country are not given an adequate opportunity to challenge their removal, and may be subjected to inhumane treatment during their deportation process. In some cases, individuals are handcuffed or physically restrained, forced onto airplanes or other forms of transportation, and may be subjected to cruel and degrading treatment.
Authorities who Repatriate are Duty-bound to Make Sure That Such People Will be Guaranteed a Secure and Free Existence
According to the Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential, asylum-seekers must be treated as refugees when they have a well-founded fear of persecution upon return. No person should be sent back to a country where they fear 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.
What is the Impact of Coerced Repatriation?
Another concern is the impact that forced deportation can have on individuals. Often, individuals who are being forcibly removed have established lives and families in the country they are being deported from. Their forcible removal can lead to the separation from school, friends, and communities. While some States argue coercive repatriation is necessary to maintain order and protect national security, human rights advocates argue that it is a violation of basic human rights. There are alternative approaches to addressing issues related to immigration, such as implementing fair and just immigration policies and providing legal avenues for individuals to challenge their removal.
In conclusion, coercive repatriation is a controversial practice that involves the forced deportation of individuals from a country against their will. Despite some arguments that it is necessary to maintain order and protect national interests, many view it as a violation of basic human rights. As the number of individuals being forcibly removed continues to increase, it is important for policymakers to consider alternative approaches to addressing issues related to immigration.
