12/09/2003

The United Nations has designated December 10 as Human Rights Day.  In recognition of the link between displacement and human rights, Refugees International has established a Human Rights Program under the Directorship of Veronika Martin.  Following are some thoughts forming the basis for the upcoming program. There is an inextricable link between human rights abuses and displacements.  Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) face human rights abuses at all levels of displacement.  Conflict, violence and fear of persecution lead to the initial flight from home areas.  Movement in search of safety can further expose displaced persons to human rights abuses such as violence by armed factions and exploitation by officials and border police who demand payment in cash, supplies or sexual favors. Violations in the safe havens or temporary settlements set up by the international community or by displaced persons themselves can include exploitation in exchange for aid (food, health care, shelter, travel permits), protection failures such as sexual, forced recruitment into military services--especially of underage boys and girls, and abuses by host country authorities or civilians.  Even more precarious is the situation of unrecognised refugees who have little or no access to assistance or protection, and are often abused, exploited or arrested as illegal migrants in host countries.  Finally, refugees and IDPs who have been repatriated or have returned home voluntarily or under force can again be subjected to abuse.  Without proper monitoring, refugees have been returned to their home countries and placed in extreme danger. The two most basic tenets of protection for refugees and those fleeing persecution are the right to asylum and the principle of non-refoulmement (forced return).  Host country governments have failed to meet these and other obligations to displaced persons under international law, at times at the cost of displaced persons’ lives.  UNHCR and other UN agencies have at times failed to protect legitimate refugees or speak out strongly and consistently to support recognized and unrecognized refugees.  IDPs are particularly vulnerable because of a lack of a strong legal framework applicable to their protection and a lack of a clear lead agency on IDPs.  The result has been a failure by donors and UN agencies to adequately lead and coordinate efforts to address the systematic problems of IDP protection.  Whether fleeing to neighbouring countries as recognized or unrecognized refugees or to temporary safety inside one’s own country as IDPs, displaced persons are subject to human rights violations before, during and after their initial flight. RI’s “early warning-early action” work applies in particular to human rights issues.  RI’s capacity to mobilize research teams within a few weeks notice of a crisis, and to issue reports immediately is unique.  These capabilities are especially relevant to human rights crises in order to flag problem areas immediately and mobilize support from appropriate players who can work to alleviate displaced persons’ suffering.  RI can act as a bridge between the humanitarian world and the human rights world, bringing human rights concerns to the attention of humanitarian agencies within the framework of other coalitions while linking with traditional human rights agencies.  Before the end of the year, RI will launch a Human Rights Program focusing on the link between displacement and human rights.