As part of the public standard-making process in the United States, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has presented this Monday its comments to the Government of the North American country to reconsider the new measure proposed before the arrival of asylum seekers on the border with Mexico.
The UN agency’s comments denounce that some key elements of the proposal are incompatible with the principles of international refugee law. Likewise, UNHCR offered alternatives to face the complex challenges at the border and to be able to offer protection to those forced to flee.
The agency believes that, as presented, the regulation would restrict the fundamental human right to seek asylum for people who have transited through another country and who have arrived in the United States. without authorization.
In particular, UNHCR is concerned that the regulations could facilitate return casesthat is, the forced return of people to contexts in which their lives or security are in danger, which is prohibited by international law.
However, the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees recognizes that refugees may have no choice but to enter a country of asylum irregularly.
Instead, the agency detailed in its comments good practices to establish protection systemssuch as the adoption of simplified processing, reception and registration procedures at the borders, as well as access to legal advice services.
a complex border
The UN agency has recognized that the situation at the border is complex and that effective ways must be found to deal with migration and refugee movements on the continent.
In this regard, UNHCR has highlighted the serious risks, such as exploitation and abuse by criminal networksto which people who decide to migrate or seek asylum on the continent are exposed.
Likewise, the agency has recognized the challenge that the United States faces in dealing with the number of applicants for asylum and residence on the southern border of the country, and has promised to support the Government in the preparation of broader reforms, which include promote equity, quality and efficiency of the protection system.
In the past, the agency has applauded various initiatives in the North American country to create and expand regular and safe access roads.
“Although these are very necessary, they should not affect access to asylum, but rather be accompanied by the strengthening of processing capacities and efficient measures to manage the mechanisms for receiving and entering regular border crossings in the United States,” the agency stated. it’s a statement.
Cooperation is essential
According to UNHCR, it is essential that countries work in accordance with the objectives of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection and other international commitments, and develop together coordinated responses to face the growing challenge of migratory and refugee movements on the continent.
The agency assured that it is prepared to support these efforts throughout the region and accompany the United States in the task of strengthen asylum systems and create safe pathways to provide protection to those who need it.
