Feb23
Mexico and U.S. Still Lock Up Central American Refugees, but Make Moves Towards Ending Detention
United States, Mexico, February 23, 2018
In July 2014, the U.S. joined a new UNHCR initiative called “Global Strategy - Beyond Detention 2014-2019” (“Global Strategy”). The Global Strategy launched in 12 target countries, with the following goals: provide alternatives to detention for asylum seekers, improve detention conditions where detention is necessary, and end child detention. For the U.S. and its fellow signatory Mexico, the Global Strategy began at the peak of a humanitarian crisis.
Read More
Dec9
Unsafe Third Country: Greek Court Returns Syrian Refugees to Turkey
Turkey, Greece, December 9, 2017
A recent decision by the highest Greek administrative court held that Syrians in Greece can be safely returned to Turkey in accordance with the safe third country doctrine. With evidence pointing to the contrary, this decision may open the doors to Greece and the EU violating European law and the Refugee Convention.
Read More
Nov13
Protection in Word But Not in Practice: How Resettlement Countries are Failing LGBTI Refugees
Canada, Chechnya, Uzbekistan, Russia, November 13, 2017
Since LGBTI refugees face particular challenges because of the widespread animosity towards individuals with this immutable characteristic, resettlement countries should follow Canada’s lead and welcome LGBTI refugees currently suffering around the world.
Read More
Oct5
One Year Later: Child Immigration Detention Continues
October 5, 2017
Within the past decade, non-governmental organizations and human rights advocates have increased advocacy efforts to end child immigration detention worldwide. They brought the issue of child immigration detention to sympathetic governments whose initial positive reactions have been followed by lackluster actions. This note explores the worldwide child detention regime and credits state actors for their newfound commitment to addressing child immigration detention. However, actual progress remains overshadowed by States’ continual practice of child immigration detention; the practice continues despite being inconsistent with international law.
Read More
Aug1
The International Non-Refoulement Obligation and a Refugee’s Non-Compliance Under the Australian Migration Act of 1958
Australia, August 1, 2017
The Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal upholds the principle of non-refoulement and refuses to cancel a visa of a refugee who provided false information on visa application.
Read More
Jun18
The Negative Effects of Relying on Inconsistencies to Determine Credibility in Asylum Claims Involving an Initial Omission of Sexual Assault
United States, June 18, 2017
The discovery of inconsistencies is often fatal to an asylum claim because decision makers see inconsistences and assume the asylum seeker is not credible. Sexual assault victims are especially negatively affected by this practice, as their victimhood often leads them to omit a sexual assault early in the asylum process.
Read More
Mar23
Nigerian Sex-Trafficking Victims and the Recognition of Refugee Status in the United Kingdom
Nigeria, March 23, 2017
An analysis of how a recent British asylum case signals a change in approach to evaluating asylum claims of trafficked women from Nigeria inside the United Kingdom, and what it means for the victims.
Read More
Jan5
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie? Temporary Protection in European Union Asylum Law
European Union, January 5, 2017
A critical review of the doctrine of temporary protection in EU asylum law, in light of the current political and scholarly debate regarding the implementation, amendment or repeal of the Temporary Protection Directive.
Read More
Dec5
Norway Builds Fence Along Border with Russia to Deter Refugees and Migrants
Norway, December 5, 2016
Norway's recent construction of a fence along its border with Russia likely violates the prohibition against refoulement.
Read More
Nov7
The Enemy of My Enemy: European Readmission Agreements with Repressive Governments
Italy, November 7, 2016
In August 2016, Italy and Sudan signed a readmission agreement aimed at distinguishing between “welcome guests” and “citizens who have no right to remain in the territories of the two states.” Italy's subsequent removal of 48 Sudanese nationals back to the hands of the Sudanese government has nevertheless raised serious concerns about the legality of these new procedures.
Read More