By: Chloe Wu
Last Saturday, despite heavy public opposition, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson remained steadfast to 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 face imposed curfews and be prohibited from numerous locations. They would also be required to report regularly to immigration centers or police stations.
According to the BBC, caseworkers would also consider 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, claiming it is immoral.
Chief executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon, said, “It’s appalling that this government is intent on treating men, women and children who have fled war, bloodshed and persecution as criminals. 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.
“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,” the Washington Post stated.
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/