By: Chloe Wu
Last Saturday, despite heavy public opposition, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson remained steadfast in his plan to electronically monitor refugees who cross via the English Channel, through what England’s government calls “dangerous and unnecessary routes.”
Those with such a tag would be required to report regularly to immigration centers or police stations. Immigrants would also face imposed curfews and being excluded from numerous locations.
According to the BBC, caseworkers must also take into account whether the device would “cause serious harm to the person’s mental or physical health, or whether they have been a victim of torture or modern slavery.” Johnson claimed that this electric monitoring system would ensure “asylum seekers can’t just vanish into the rest of the country.” However, many refugee and human rights organizations strongly oppose this plan.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said, “It’s appalling that this government is intent on treating men, women and children who have fled war, bloodshed and persecution as criminals.” He added, “This draconian and punitive approach not only shows no compassion for very vulnerable people, it will also do nothing to deter those who are desperately seeking safety in the U.K.”
Additionally, Sue William, a human rights lawyer and the chairwoman of the Human Rights Committee at The Law Society, pointed out, “The person is being effectively surveilled 24/7 — while they’re on the toilet, while they’re in bed.” Some have questioned whether it is morally right to infringe on a person’s right to privacy in such a way.
The Washington Post stated that “It was unclear how long people would have to wear the tag and whether there are any privacy safeguards for the data the government could collect through the program.”
“It’s appalling that this government is intent on treating men, women and children who have fled war, bloodshed and persecution as criminals,” Solomon said in an email to The Washington Post.
Britain’s Home Office did not release the number of refugees who have been tagged so far.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61849433
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/06/18/britain-electronic-tagging-migrants-asylum-seekers/