Balancing border security and human rights

WHEN I think of migration and its origins, I often reflect on the animal kingdom. I remember watching National Geographic shows that frequently highlighted animal migration. Animals usually travel in herds for safety and community as they migrate from place to place in search of better habitats and food. While the concept of “migration” seems like a modern one, it is not. It is a common practice among animals and humans alike.

In our history or social studies classes in Guyana, we are taught that the Amerindians came across the Bering Strait to the lands we now know as the Americas. That is a classic example of migration among early humans. Despite this understanding, migration is often debated alongside human rights concerns in modern times.

Many countries argue that their border security is more important than human migration. For them, an increase in migration means an increase in violence, trafficking, and other crimes. After the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on 11th September 2001, there was a significant tightening of border restrictions across the world. Countries are now implementing data collection, stricter immigration laws, and even surveillance at their borders. These measures are taken to protect their resources, public goods, citizens, and overall national security.

While these measures are implemented in the interest of national security, they sometimes violate human rights and dignity. International laws outline that asylum seekers have the right to seek refuge in other countries if they are fleeing persecution. Despite this, border security remains strict, and many asylum seekers are placed in detention camps or centres, where they face similar treatment to criminals in a prison system.

From a humanitarian perspective, some countries have extended a humanitarian corridor for asylum seekers, providing aid and even legal support. While this assistance is helpful, the overall crisis cannot be tackled in isolation. It requires international collaboration. There should be regional or international agreements, treaties, and aid programmes across the world to ensure a balance between human rights and border protection.

Migration among animals is as old as the Earth itself. For humans, it occurs in many forms, and everyone’s intentions may be different, but they deserve the right to be heard and treated fairly in their pursuit of a better life in a foreign land.

I wanted to highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between border security and human rights because Guyana is now experiencing an influx of migrants from neighbouring countries and other parts of the world. As we secure our borders, I hope we also address the human rights implications that come with border security. It is my hope that we implement sustainable and ethical measures to ensure our borders are safe while respecting the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.

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