The United States Supreme Court should revisit its language requiring the assessment of the applicant’s subjective emotional state when determining whether that applicant meets the “well-founded fear” test.
Read MoreThe core differences in the social construction of gender and sexual orientation may explain the differing treatment of women and gay people in refugee law. Women are not seen as distinct individuals, while gay individuals' identities are not merged with a spouse or children.
Read MoreIn July 2014, the U.S. joined a new UNHCR initiative called “Global Strategy - Beyond Detention 2014-2019” (“Global Strategy”). The Global Strategy launched in 12 target countries, with the following goals: provide alternatives to detention for asylum seekers, improve detention conditions where detention is necessary, and end child detention. For the U.S. and its fellow signatory Mexico, the Global Strategy began at the peak of a humanitarian crisis.
Read MoreA recent decision by the highest Greek administrative court held that Syrians in Greece can be safely returned to Turkey in accordance with the safe third country doctrine. With evidence pointing to the contrary, this decision may open the doors to Greece and the EU violating European law and the Refugee Convention.
Read MoreSince LGBTI refugees face particular challenges because of the widespread animosity towards individuals with this immutable characteristic, resettlement countries should follow Canada’s lead and welcome LGBTI refugees currently suffering around the world.
Read MoreThe Israeli Supreme Court recently handed down two decisions that would further restrict the employment opportunities of asylum seekers in Israel. In one, the court considered a "foreign worker tax" levied on employers of asylum seekers. The court is the first judiciary in the world to consider the legitimacy of "foreign worker taxes" levied on employers of asylum seekers under the Refugee Convention.
Read MoreWithin the past decade, non-governmental organizations and human rights advocates have increased advocacy efforts to end child immigration detention worldwide. They brought the issue of child immigration detention to sympathetic governments whose initial positive reactions have been followed by lackluster actions. This note explores the worldwide child detention regime and credits state actors for their newfound commitment to addressing child immigration detention. However, actual progress remains overshadowed by States’ continual practice of child immigration detention; the practice continues despite being inconsistent with international law.
Read MoreNow, over a year after the EU-Turkey deal was signed, the agreement is being employed as a blueprint for the next phase of the Common European Asylum System and is leading to an erosion of respect for international human rights laws and norms.
Read MoreWith respect to the intentionality requirement in the Convention Against Torture, the U.S interpretation of “severe pain or suffering” differs with that of international bodies charged with implementation and norm-setting, putting the U.S. at odds with its international treaty obligations.
Read MoreThe Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal upholds the principle of non-refoulement and refuses to cancel a visa of a refugee who provided false information on visa application.
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