Black Lives Matter (BLM) also in the Mediterranean

Policing the Central Mediterranean: mass drownings and systematic torture of persons of African descent : CSDM submission on racism in EU border control practices for the upcomming report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the subject of human rights violations by law enforcement agencies against Africans and persons of African descent.

European border control practices have made the Central Mediterranean the deadliest migration route in the world. Thousands of Africans drown every year because European states have decided not to put an end to preventable deaths but have instead obstructed independent NGO rescue operations. Thousands of other refugees and migrants are « pulled back » to Libya – with European assistance – where they face extreme violence including torture, rape, starvation and forced labour.

Today we have submitted information to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in view of the preparation of the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers (Human Rights Council Resolution 43/1).

In our submission, we urge the High Commissioner to shed light on the illegal law enforcement practices in the Central Mediterranean and call for the establishment of international mechanisms to bring them to an end, including the creation of avenues for redress for victims.     

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Torture of Migrants in Libya: « Can Italy be Held Accountable under Article 20 UNCAT for its Role in the ‘Pull-back’ of Migrants »?

In the Swiss law journal Asyl, we explore whether Italy can be held accountable under the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment for the human rights violations againt migrants pulled back to Libya by the Libyan Coast Guard.

For article in pdf, click here.   

Study by Prof. Maiani on family unity in Dublin Regulation proceedings now available in French, German and Italian.

The Protection of Family Unity in Dublin Procedures: Towards a Protection-Oriented Implementation Practice, CSDM October 2019, discusses the protection of family unity in proceedings arising under the Dublin III Regulation against the backdrop of the Swiss authorities’ practice. The analysis is relevant to any national administration applying the regulation and provides important guidance for European legal practitioners representing asylum seekers.

For translated versions: français, Deutsche, italiano.

14.10.2019 publication of study by Prof. Francesco Maiani, UNIL on Family Unity in Dublin Procedures

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new study:

Prof. Francesco Maiani, University of Lausanne, The Protection of Family Unity in Dublin Procedures: Towards a Protection-Oriented Implementation Practice, CSDM October 2019.

For translated versions: françaisDeutsche, italiano.

Prof. Maiani discusses the protection of family unity in proceedings arising under the Dublin III Regulati on against the backdrop of the Swiss authorities’ practice in this area. His comprehensive analysis is, however, relevant to any national administration applying the regulation and provides important guidance for European legal practitioners.

The study demonstrates that while there is considerable tension in practice between the operation of the Dublin system and the protection of family unity, if properly interpreted, the Dublin III Regulation could afford effective protection to the families of those to whom it applies. Indeed, “in a system where the protection of family life is a ‘primary consideration’ (Preamble Recital 14), preserving or promoting family unity should be the norm rather than the exception and this conclusion is valid a fortiori in situations characterized by particular vulnerabilities” (Maiani § 4.3.3). As demonstrated by the study, where the regulation itself falls short, relevant human rights norms can and must fill in the gaps. These conclusions rest on extensive research including of the jurisprudence of the CJEU and other relevant European and international bodies.

Finally, the study offers an insightful and unique critique of the underdeveloped jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in this area. Importantly, it discusses the emerging contribution – and largely untapped potential – of the UN Treaty Bodies in closing the protection gaps for families and vulnerable persons caught up in the rigours of Dublin proceedings.

The study was published with the support of the UNHCR Office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It a companion study to S. Motz, Family Reunification in Switzerland, Legal Framework and Strategic Considerations, CSDM October 2017.

Octobre 2017, Le regroupement familial des réfugiés en Suisse: Cadre légal et considérations d’ordre juridiques

Le Centre Suisse pour la Défense des Droits des Migrants (CSDM) et le Bureau du HCR pour la Suisse et le Liechtenstein ont publie une étude consacrée au respect de la vie familiale des personnes réfugiées et admises provisoirement en Suisse. Les réfugiés fuyant les persécutions ou les conflits sont fréquemment séparés de leurs proches et le regroupement familial est souvent le seul moyen de réunification avec les membres de leur famille. Le rapport documente le cadre légal suisse du regroupement familial pour les réfugiés reconnus, ayant obtenu l’asile ou titulaires d’une admission provisoire et analyse sa compatibilité avec les obligations internationales de la Suisse en matière de protection des droits humains en particulier avec l’article 8 de la Convention européenne des droits de l’homme (CEDH). Le rapport tient compte des récentes jurisprudences du Tribunal administratif fédéral (TAF) du 21 juin 2017 (F-8337/2015) et du 17 août 2017 (D-3175/2016).

Le rapport est disponible en français, allemand et anglais.

Le regroupement familial des réfugiés en Suisse: Cadre légal et considérations d’ordre juridiques, CSDM/HCR, Octobre 2017.

Familiennachzug für Flüchtlinge in der Schweiz: Rechtsrahmen und strategische Uberlegungen,  CSDM/HCR, Oktober 2017.

Family Reunification for Refugees in Switzerland: Legal Framework and Strategic Considerations, CSDM/HCR, October 2017.