Title: The World War on Asylum: Unveiling the Global Attack on Refugees
Introduction:
The issue of state-sanctioned violence against asylum seekers has long been a topic of debate. However, recent evidence and reports suggest that the Greek strategy of denying asylum rights has become a signature model in the global war on asylum-seekers. This narrative explores the escalating violence against migrants, the complicity of international bodies, and the erosion of the right to seek asylum.
Escalating Violence and Denial of Asylum Rights:
Aid worker Fayad Mulla initially found it hard to believe reports of masked men chasing and kidnapping asylum seekers in Greece. However, his skepticism changed when he recorded a video of Greek guards marching migrant families onto a speedboat, revealing a uniformed man in a balaclava carrying a child. This shocking evidence is part of a logical progression of escalating violence against migrants as governments erode their rights to asylum and rescue.
The Greek Strategy as a Global Model:
The Greek strategy of denying asylum rights has become a model for wealthy countries worldwide. From Venezuela to Mexico to Libya to Hungary to Japan, there is a semi-coordinated effort among these nations to abolish their legal responsibilities towards the poor and afflicted. The Hellenic Coast Guard, responsible for intercepting migrants, has turned the internationally recognized right to apply for asylum into a sick game.
Evidence and Circumstantial Patterns:
In addition to Mulla’s video, analysts have compiled circumstantial evidence that supports the existence of a pattern. Forensic Architecture has tracked over 2,000 instances of “drift-backs” from Greek territorial waters, where migrants are put onto motorless rubber boats and pushed towards Turkish territorial waters. This technique allows authorities to distance themselves from the lethal consequences, resulting in numerous deaths and disappearances.
The Adriana Disaster and International Complicity:
The sinking of the migrant ship Adriana in the Mediterranean further highlights the complicity of international bodies. The Hellenic Coast Guard’s delayed response to the distress call raises questions of negligence turning into probable malice. The EU’s border management agency, Frontex, monitored the situation but failed to provide adequate assistance. The EU’s support for Greece’s border work and funding to non-member states like Turkey further demonstrate a collective effort to deflect asylum-seekers from Europe.
The Role of Mexico and Potential Future Scenarios:
Mexico serves as a shield for the United States, adopting practices that deter migrants from reaching the U.S. border. President Joe Biden’s order to halt asylum processing at the southern border has had a similar effect to the “Remain in Mexico” policy. Accusations of Mexican soldiers beating asylum-seekers highlight the direct connection between U.S. policy and human rights abuses. If Donald Trump wins in November, the attack on asylum is expected to accelerate, potentially undermining the right to seek refuge itself.
The Erosion of International Law and Human Rights:
The global attack on asylum seeks to scale back and nullify the protections provided by the 1951 Refugee Convention. Nations like Hungary face fines for refouling migrants but receive financial support from the EU. Investigative agencies can write reports, but armed men in masks make decisions that cannot be appealed. The erosion of international law leaves little recourse for those seeking asylum.
The Buffer Role of Nations and Whittling Rights:
Nations situated between wealthy and war-torn countries can offer a valuable service as buffers and border guards. By pushing back asylum-seekers, countries like Greece reduce the burden on wealthier nations like Germany. The goal is to whittle down the right to seek asylum into a rare privilege, making it less appealing and more dangerous than the hardships people are fleeing.
Conclusion:
The world is witnessing a global war on asylum, with Greece’s strategy becoming a model for other nations. The complicity of international bodies and the erosion of the right to seek refuge highlight the dire situation faced by asylum-seekers. As the rich Western countries find new ways to deter and harm migrants, the future appears bleak for those in desperate need of protection.
