Organizations claim border decrees are exclusive and call for change
In a statement, they cite the government’s disrespect for human dignity when dealing with migrants and refugees
Ghanaian migrants in Caxias do Sul live in poor conditions sheltered in a church | Photo: Bernardo Jardim Ribeiro/Sul21
As a result of the crisis caused by the pandemic, stricter controls were placed on Brazil’s borders following the publication of a decree in March. However, civil society organizations, including Missão Paz, have reiterated in a letter that the controls used by the federal government contain illegal provisions that do not guarantee the rights of migrants and refugees and, as such, should be reviewed.
According to the Brazilian government, the 18 border decrees observe health recommendations to contain the spread of the coronavirus. However, the latest updates have eased restrictions on entry into the country by air but maintained the ban on entry by land and water.
In the letter written by the organizations, this change exposes the intention to restrict access for people seeking asylum in Brazil.
In the text, the organizations provide examples of the disrespect for human dignity resulting from the decrees, which is why they deem it urgent to create a replacement regulatory instrument that does not permit immediate repatriation.
Finally, they are also asking for the decree on civil, administrative and criminal liability that suspends asylum requests without due legal process to be reviewed in order to combat prejudice and protect migrants seeking asylum in the context of the pandemic.
