Asylum Rights in the New Europe? Analysis of policies of Western European States

Abstract

This paper reports on these new measures taken by European governments to curb entry into their territories and avoids examination of push-pull factors which cause forced migration, as that would be an appropriate subject of another detailed report. I will examine the issue of visa requirements, carrier sanctions, internal flight alternative, 'safe country of origin' and 'safe third country' concepts, as well as recent treaties seen as restrictive, the use of European immigration officials abroad, the concept of 'international zones', and the battle over agents of persecution. I will also discuss how discrimination, the increase of racism and xenophobia (exploited by the far right) negatively affect asylum seekers arriving in Europe, and perhaps that which affects the asylum-seeker the most, his or her first contact with immigration or border officials who are not always aware of their responsibilities under the Geneva Convention.