Forced Migration From a Precautionary Logic

Abstract

[EN] Migratory flows have always existed, they are a connatural manifestation of human societies. However, globalization has exponentially multiplied this phenomenon towards countries located mainly in Europe and North America. The International Organization for Migration defines forced migration as a migratory movement in which an element of coercion exists, including threats to life and livelihood, whether arising from natural or man-made causes (e.g. movements of refugees and internally displaced persons as well as people displaced by natural or environmental disasters, chemical or nuclear disasters, famine, or development projects). The choice of topic for this article based on three main aspects. Firstly, its relevance. It is a subject of vital importance, not only because of its impact on human rights, but also because of its social, political, economic, etc. implications. Secondly, its controversial or contentious nature. Forced migration involves two opposing interests or aspects: on the one hand, the vulnerability of migrants and their defence, and on the other, their perception in host countries as suspicious (or even dangerous) subjects calling for interventions aimed at providing security. And thirdly and lastly, their topicality. Security (in all its facets) occupies a central role in our lives, in the media, in politics, etc. Citizens demand that public authorities and the law intervene to neutralise possible risks and provide security, even if this is merely symbolic. This article has two objectives: to investigate how migrants are treated in the host country and to analyse whether migration policy is sensitive to risk aversion and the current demand for security. To this end, it is hypothesised that in Spanish and European society, a securitarian approach of migration is predominant. The methodology employed will consist of a literature review on the subject, as well as an analysis of the legal instruments, reference texts and the main measures envisaged in the area of forced migration. The results of the research show how, in general, host countries perceive immigrants as suspicious persons who should be treated with caution and that, therefore, their treatment requires the adoption of precautionary measures aimed at minimising the possible risks they may generate for society as a whole and at providing security for citizens. The feeling of unease or rejection towards the migrant is not simply a consequence of fear of the unknown or cultural estrangement, but usually involves other aspects such as an aversion to the poor or the increasingly widespread aversion to risk.