Immigration Detention and the New EU Migration Pact
Last Updated: 16 December 2020
by Abriel SCHIEFFELERS
The Salvation Army European Affairs Office has been monitoring the development of the new EU migration pact. One area of concern related to the migration pact is the increased use of immigration detention.
Immigration detention: Its humanitarian impact and alternatives
The European Affairs Office attended an event hosted by the Red Cross European Office on December 9th, 2020 on the use of immigration detention. The asylum pact would increase the use of immigration detention, a concerning development, as it has been emphasised that immigration detention should only be used as a last resort.
In many EU border countries, immigration detention has been applied systematically to all migrants apprehended at entry or exit or those in the country in an irregular manner. The impact on migrants is severe, and post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are common, as well as the worsening of chronic diseases. Lack of trust in authorities is also created by these facilities, as well as feelings of uncertainty faced by migrants and bad living conditions.
There exist alternatives to immigration detention that allow freedom of movement and allow for migrants to reside in the community subject to a number of restrictions. These alternatives need to be prioritised by member states and immigration detention should only be used as a last resort.
The Red Cross’ position paper on immigration detention can be found here.
The Salvation Army’s view
The Salvation Army is concerned by the migration pact’s reliance on immigration detention as a means of essentially punishing and deterring migration. Immigration detention ought to be used only as a last resort, and alternatives to immigration detention need to be implemented in all member states as the norm. The effect of immigration detention on migrants, especially children, include long-lasting mental health consequences.
The Salvation Army calls on member states to utilise migration policy and practices that are in line with human rights standards and that do not deprive individuals of liberty unnecessarily. In line with the opinion of the Red Cross, The Salvation Army believes that more can be done on an EU level and in all member states to utilise alternatives.
The Salvation Army is also worried about the possibility of increased COVID-19 infection in immigration detention centres and the confiscation of passports and other identity documents.
How The Salvation Army can mobilise
It is important for The Salvation Army in European Union member states and beyond to actively raise the alarm about inhumane migration conditions and advocate for alternatives to immigration detention and other practices. The Salvation Army has long called for better treatment of migrants, both during the process of migration and during their integration into local communities. Although the 2015 wave of migration seems to have passed, and seemingly more pressing issues are taking the place of migration in the minds of policy-makers and civil society, it is essential that the new EU migration pact not be ignored by civil society, as the policies within it might ultimately prove harmful for migrants.
As social services, corps (churches), and youth movements, The Salvation Army can write to their governments about this issue, start petitions, raise awareness in communities, and continue work with migrants to ensure that their human rights are respected throughout the entirety of their migration journey.
Tags: Europe