Model Answer

Introduction

The statement that refugees should not be turned back to countries where they face persecution underscores an ethical obligation that democratic nations have in safeguarding fundamental human rights. When states repatriate refugees to places of danger, they violate core ethical principles such as justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity.

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Violation of Non-refoulement Principle

One significant ethical breach is the violation of the non-refoulement principle, which mandates that refugees should not be returned to places where they face serious threats. For instance, Australia has been widely criticized for its Operation Sovereign Borders, initiated in 2013, which involved intercepting and returning boats carrying asylum seekers, including those fleeing persecution (Amnesty International, 2019). This policy starkly contradicts the ethical commitment to protect vulnerable populations.

Lack of Compassion and Solidarity

The lack of compassion is evident in Hungary’s response to the refugee crisis. In 2015, the country constructed fences along its borders to deter refugees, demonstrating a failure to show solidarity with those in need (Human Rights Watch, 2016). This act not only undermined human rights but also reflected a broader disregard for ethical considerations in the face of humanitarian crises.

Other Relevant Examples

The Rohingya crisis of 2017 illustrates another ethical failure. Over 700,000 Rohingyas fled violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh, which, despite its limited resources, struggled to accommodate them. Many were turned back, facing further persecution (UNHCR, 2018). Similarly, during the Syrian refugee crisis, millions fled conflict, but numerous nations, citing national security, refused to accept them, violating ethical obligations to assist those in dire need (European Council on Refugees and Exiles, 2020).

In the context of the US-Mexico border, policies have been implemented to turn back Central American migrants to Mexico, exposing them to violence and human rights abuses (American Civil Liberties Union, 2021). Each of these examples illustrates a profound ethical failure to protect refugees.

Conclusion

It is crucial for nations to uphold their ethical obligations to protect refugees’ rights, ensuring they receive support and assistance necessary for a life of dignity and security. Upholding these principles is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of democratic societies.

Model Answer

(i) Law and Ethics

Law refers to the codified set of rules and regulations enforced by governmental authorities. It is mandatory, and violations can lead to legal repercussions, such as fines or imprisonment. For example, laws against theft are enforced by the criminal justice system (Hart, 1961).

Ethics, conversely, consists of moral principles that guide individual or group behavior. Ethics are voluntary and arise from personal or societal values rather than legal mandates. For instance, while it may be legal to lie in certain situations, it is generally considered unethical (Kant, 1785).

(ii) Ethical Management and Management of Ethics

Ethical Management involves integrating ethical principles into business operations and decision-making processes. It emphasizes the importance of conducting business with integrity and respect for stakeholders (Trevino & Nelson, 2016).

Management of Ethics, however, refers to the systematic approach to creating and enforcing ethical policies and practices within an organization. This includes training employees on ethical standards and establishing a framework for ethical decision-making (Kaptein, 2011).

(iii) Discrimination and Preferential Treatment

Discrimination is the unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or age. It is often illegal and violates civil rights laws (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2021).

Preferential Treatment, on the other hand, involves giving special advantages or opportunities to certain groups, often to address historical inequalities. This can be legally permissible, as seen in affirmative action policies aimed at promoting diversity (U.S. Department of Education, 2020).

(iv) Personal Ethics and Professional Ethics

Personal Ethics are the moral beliefs and values that guide an individual’s behavior in their personal life. These may vary significantly from person to person based on upbringing and experiences (Rachels, 2003).

Professional Ethics, in contrast, are the standards and codes of conduct that govern behavior in a professional context. Professionals are often held to higher ethical standards and must adhere to specific codes related to their field, such as those set forth by medical or legal associations (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Conclusion

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for navigating both personal and professional landscapes, ensuring adherence to laws, ethical standards, and fairness in treatment.