Critically discuss the human rights’ approaches to border-crossing
Consequently, there is a need for countries to put measures that would safeguard the borders against any security threats. Border security enforcement has been on the spotlight for violating the human rights of migrants in most cases. When enacting border control, it is equally important that the law enforcement agencies apply human rights as per the international human rights provisions. The paper examines the theories of migration and the importance of applying human-rights approaches at an international border crossing. Theories of migration The concept of migration covers four broad perspectives. Traditionally, emigration was from Europe to their former colonies. The theories of migration should take into account all the explanations of migration like reduced transport costs, government support, as well as the effects of globalization. Unlike the traditional migration from mature economies to developing nations, migration in modern times tends to be more from developing countries to developed nations.
The neoclassical theory of migration states that migration results from wage differences across countries. Other newer theories of migration tend to challenge the assumptions of neoclassical theory. The existence of networks makes it possible for migration to occur to some countries while to others it is not very common. The theory is closely related to migration systems theory and cumulative causation concept. Challenges of migration As border zones expand, there is increased stigmatization and danger when attempting to cross the border. With globalization, there is easier and faster travel across the world. The migration concepts have further developed to the theory of transnational theory. Migrants should be protected against discrimination of any kind and protected from harm. On the contrary, most international borders are dangerous places for migrants presumed to be irregular.
Most of these migrants die as they try to sail in unseaworthy boats while others are left to die at sea by smugglers. In other instances, security agents are ordered to shoot at sight any irregular immigrants. The same experience is replicated at land and air borders where immigrants are treated to discrimination, arbitrary decision-making, interference with their rights to privacy, torture, and all forms of violence. Much as countries do not wish to have excessive refugees within their borders, it is important to have a balance to accommodate the immigrants. The refugees have a right to seek asylum according to international laws. However, the refugees have no right to choose the country in which to seek asylum. When the measures put in place to control the influx get to dangerous levels, international human rights principles ought to apply (Miller 2013, 3).
Migrants that pose a danger to the locals can get detention while awaiting court proceedings, but it should not be a means of dealing with all migrants. Some of the measures applied by the administration are completely contrary to the human rights principles and guidelines. Along the United States border, the border patrol agents are busy separating families, policies that hurt children and are against American ideals and laws. Given the situations that the migrants go through, there is a need to consider the ideal and non-ideal approaches to ethics of migration. Carens offers a solution to migration by suggesting that borders should be open for all people, aliens and citizens alike. The concept of open borders is gaining support because of the efforts that irregular migrants put into ensuring they are in their dream countries.
The employers benefit from the migrants as they provide cheap labor. International human right guidelines The international human rights guidelines in crossing borders provide alternative solutions to countries with an influx of refugees. Having strict measures against migrants and using terms that demean migrants can be a source of violence and suffering of migrants at the borders. International human rights guidelines propose that states and other actors should use relevant information campaigns to protect migrants (United Nations n. d). Guideline six is concerning screening and interviewing of migrants. The guideline calls for practices that uphold the right to privacy when searching and handling the property. Collection of data at borders, restrictions, and compulsory medical tests should be done in compliance with human right guidelines. The exercise of collecting data is important for planning purposes, but it should be done in a humane manner that does not demean the migrants.
The border authorities should also pay particular concern to children, migrants with disabilities, and other migrants vulnerable to unfair treatment. The final guideline focuses on cooperation and coordination of states in operational agreements to include human rights guarantees. Conclusion Human rights at international borders are achievable if all states commit to abide by the guidelines provide by the United Nations in dealing with migrants at international borders. States can also input some private measures to curb the increasing rates of migrants into their borders. The United States is one of the countries that receive the highest number of refugees due to instability in surrounding states. The United States has also been noted to be one of the nations that do not comply with the human rights guidelines at international borders. October 30.
If other countries can balance human rights and border security, so can the United States. Retrieved from https://www. hrw. org/news/2018/10/30/if-other-countries-can-balance-human-rights-and-border-security-so-can-united-states Miller, D. United Nations. Human Rights. Office of the Higher Commissioner. Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights at International Borders. Retrieved from https://www.
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