[Opinion] Deterrence or Dignity? The Right Question
In recent years, the UK has seen a rise in the number of people seeking sanctuary within its borders. Yet, instead of providing adequate support and assistance to those in need, both major political parties - the Conservatives and the Labour - have been more concerned with the issue of deterrence. They have failed to ask the right question and as a result, have stood on the wrong side of history (Guardian, 2018).
The Conservatives have implemented a series of harsh policies that make it difficult for refugees to seek asylum in the UK, such as the government's "hostile environment" policy (Guardian, 2018). On the other hand, the Labour Party has failed to provide a clear alternative and has expressed support for policies that seek to deter refugees from coming to the UK, such as using offshore detention centers (Independent, 2021).
It is clear that both parties are failing to address the root causes of the so called 'refugee crisis'. Instead, they are more concerned with appearing tough on immigration and appealing to voters who are hostile to refugees. This approach is not only morally bankrupt but also counterproductive (UNHCR, 2021).
It is time for a new approach. We must start asking the right question - how can we treat refugees with the dignity and respect they deserve? (Orwell, n.d.) This means providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives, such as access to housing, education, and healthcare. It also means addressing the root causes of the refugee crisis, such as by investing in conflict prevention, poverty reduction, and human rights (UNHCR, 2021).
In conclusion, it is time to move away from the politics of deterrence and towards the politics of dignity. The UK has a responsibility to treat refugees with the respect and compassion they deserve, and it is up to our political leaders to take action.
Let us not be on the wrong side of history.
Let us stand up for what is right and just.
References:
- Guardian. (2018, April 16). UK's 'hostile environment' policy: what is it and how did it happen? https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/apr/16/what-is-the-uks-hostile-environment-policy
- Independent. (2021, March 27). Labour 'has not ruled out' using offshore detention centres for asylum seekers. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-offshore-detention-centres-asylum-seekers-b1822916.html
- UNHCR. (2021). Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2020. https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/unhcrstats/60b638e47/global-trends-2020.html
- Orwell, G. (n.d.). Notes on Nationalism. https://www.orwell.ru/library/
