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Returning refugees to their home country, where they risk persecution and human rights violations, is not a good idea. Consider the assertion in light of the ethical standards that the country, which bills itself as democratic and open, is violating. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
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.
Body
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.
Ethical Implications of Refusing Refugees
1. Ethical Duty to Protect
Refusing to accept refugees who face persecution or human rights violations in their home countries breaches the ethical duty of protection. Democracies, which pride themselves on upholding human rights, have a moral obligation to offer asylum. For instance, Canada’s asylum policies reflect a commitment to human rights, prioritizing the safety of individuals fleeing persecution.
2. Violation of Human Rights
Turning away refugees often leads to a violation of basic human rights. The European Union’s 2015 refugee crisis highlighted how countries like Hungary and Poland faced criticism for their strict anti-refugee policies, which were seen as inconsistent with international human rights standards.
3. Moral Integrity of Democratic Nations
A nation claiming to be democratic and open must align its policies with moral integrity. Germany’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis, where it accepted over a million refugees, demonstrates a commitment to humanitarian values and ethical responsibility.
4. Upholding International Norms
International norms, such as those outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, emphasize the need for protection of refugees. Refusing asylum undermines these norms and the ethical framework of global cooperation and empathy.
In summary, democratic nations must adhere to ethical principles by providing refuge to those at risk of persecution, aligning their actions with their claimed values of human rights and moral integrity.