Q. “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society

Model Answer: 

Ethical Dimensions of Refugee Non-Refoulement in Democratic Societies

The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to countries where they face persecution or human rights violations, is a cornerstone of international refugee law. Democratic nations that claim to uphold open societies face an ethical dilemma when considering turning away refugees.

Ethical dimensions being violated:

• Human dignity and right to life: Rejecting refugees puts their lives at risk (e.g., Syrian refugees in Europe)
• Equality and non-discrimination: Turning away refugees based on origin or religion contradicts democratic values
• Humanitarian responsibility: Democracies have a moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations
• International legal obligations: Violating non-refoulement breaches international commitments

These violations expose contradictions in democratic values:

1. Openness vs. security concerns: Balancing societal openness with national security
2. National sovereignty vs. global responsibility: Reconciling domestic interests with international obligations
3. Economic considerations vs. moral obligations: Weighing financial impact against ethical imperatives

Ethical frameworks to consider:

• Utilitarianism: Maximizing overall well-being for both citizens and refugees
• Deontological ethics: Upholding moral duties regardless of consequences
• Human rights-based approach: Prioritizing fundamental rights of all individuals

Balancing act for democratic nations:

1. Address security concerns ethically through thorough vetting processes
2. Uphold democratic values while managing refugee influx:
– Implement fair and transparent asylum procedures
– Promote integration and social cohesion (e.g., language classes, job training)
3. Foster international cooperation and burden-sharing among nations

Conclusion: Democratic nations must align refugee policies with ethical principles to maintain credibility and uphold their core values.