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The Architect of Remote Control: Protecting Refugees, Upholding the Principle of Non-Refoulement

Published

Nov, 2021

In 1997, Aristide Zolberg coined the term "remote border control”. Remote border control or remote control of migration patterns (RCMP) is a policy that seeks to control the movement of people across borders. RCMP can harm migrants and refugees in various ways, such as stranding them in dangerous or difficult situations, detaining them in overcrowded and inhumane conditions, and even deporting them back to their home countries, where they may face persecution or violence. In addition, the restrictions imposed by RCMP can lead to people being denied access to basic services, such as healthcare and education, and the right to work. It is detrimental to those affected and violates the Principle of Non-refoulment, a fundamental principle of international law and human rights that prohibits the expulsion or return of refugees and asylum seekers to a country where they may face persecution. Remote Control of refugees and asylum seekers, such as through the use of digital technologies, biometric data, digital surveillance, AI technologies, and location tracking, further reinforces this violation. This type of Control undermines the right to freedom of movement and the right to seek asylum.


One example of RCMP is the interception of asylum seekers. This practice involves the state and outside national territories, often bordering countries, working together to stifle migrant asylum attempts. We can see this in action with asylum seekers trying to reach the UK but ending up stranded at the Turkish-Greek border after being pushed back into the dangerous sea in an attempt to find a new route. This interception of asylum seekers is part of a broader effort by states to prevent migrants from entering their territories, and it limits the number of people who can access asylum protections. In addition, these countries often implement a first-country asylum rule, meaning migrants must apply for asylum in the first country they reach. The utilization of biometrics has made it difficult to bypass, prompting migrants to resort to extreme and hazardous measures such as scorching the skin of their fingertips in order to disrupt fingerprint recognition and evade the system. RCMP has been roundly rebuked by human rights organizations and civil society entities due to its potential harm to susceptible individuals.

To protect refugees, countries and communities must take measures to ensure dignity and respect. This includes laws and regulations prohibiting mistreatment, access to legal assistance, education, healthcare, employment, housing, and monitoring mechanisms. International organizations and stakeholders should work together to develop and implement policies and procedures. Through collective action, refugees can enjoy rights and protections.

In addition, it is vital to ensure that refugees have access to other resources and services to help them lead safe and secure lives. This includes access to adequate health care and education, as well as access to employment opportunities.

This can be achieved by:
- Providing legal assistance to refugees
- Establishing monitoring mechanisms to ensure their safety and security
- International organizations and other stakeholders need implement policies that protect refugees' rights.

Through the collective efforts of governments, communities, and international organizations, refugees can be protected from abuse and have their fundamental rights and freedoms respected.

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