Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
28 December 2024 | 14:53 CAT

Sozarn Barday discusses the impact of border militarization on African refugees on Radio Islam International. (Image- Media Review Network)

Recent discussions have highlighted the alarming use of surveillance technology in border militarization and the increasing trend of refugee deportations, particularly in Israel and the European Union (EU). Human rights Attorney Sozarn Barday has shed light on the harsh realities African refugees face in these regions, focusing on how advanced surveillance technology, including drones, is being used to prevent their entry and to deport them to dangerous territories.

Barday’s research emphasizes the growing reliance on advanced surveillance technology, such as drones, to monitor and restrict refugee movements. These technologies are used by nations, including Israel, in cooperation with the EU’s border agency Frontex to prevent refugees from entering their borders. Barday highlighted Israel’s use of Heron drones, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, offering high-resolution surveillance capabilities. “These drones, equipped with thermal imaging, are primarily designed to track and prevent refugees from entering, rather than providing any form of humanitarian aid or protection,” Barday explained during the interview with Radio Islam International.

While touted as cutting-edge technology, Barday warns that these drones are often deployed to track refugees and prevent rescue operations, leading to fatal consequences. According to Barday, “There have been instances where these surveillance tools were used not to rescue refugees but to delay or prevent rescue missions, resulting in the tragic loss of lives at sea.” While potentially life-saving in other contexts, these technologies are being used as instruments of control and exclusion instead of offering support to the vulnerable.

A significant part of the refugee crisis is Israel’s controversial deportation policy. Barday spoke about Israel’s agreement with countries such as Uganda and Rwanda to deport African refugees, with little regard for the safety or well-being of those affected. “Israel essentially brokers deals with countries like Uganda and Rwanda, sending refugees back to regions that are already unstable. In exchange, Israel receives political and diplomatic leverage, while refugees are left to face dire consequences in war-torn regions,” Barday noted. These deportations put refugees in extreme peril, with limited options for survival in countries that are struggling with their security challenges.

Another alarming practice discussed by Barday involves the Libyan Coast Guard, which has been heavily involved in intercepting refugee boats. Working with the EU, the Libyan Coast Guard has received funding and logistical support to prevent refugees from crossing the Mediterranean. However, Barday emphasized the inefficiency and lack of professionalism in these operations. “The Libyan Coast Guard often operates with very limited resources, and they rely on informal communication tools like WhatsApp to coordinate rescues. This has led to numerous failures in saving lives,” she explained. In some cases, there have been reports of Coast Guard members being under the influence during missions, further compromising the safety of refugees.

Those refugees who are intercepted are often sent to detention centres in Libya, where they face appalling conditions. “The detention centres are notorious for abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment,” Barday asserted. Refugees who survive the harrowing journey are subjected to further exploitation in these centres, where overcrowding and the lack of proper medical care further worsen their plight. Barday’s description of the centres paints a grim picture of a system designed to punish rather than protect.

Barday called for urgent international accountability, stressing the need for policy changes that prioritize the protection of refugees and their human rights. She believes that current international agreements and border policies must be re-evaluated to ensure that political interests or technological advancements do not compromise the rights of refugees. “We need to start critiquing the laws we have in place and ensure they are practical and effective in safeguarding the most vulnerable,” Barday emphasized in her conversation with Radio Islam International.

The refugee crisis, exacerbated by the militarization of borders and the use of surveillance technology, is a pressing issue that requires immediate global attention. As Barday concluded, “It’s time for the international community to take a stand, shift its approach, and ensure that refugees are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.” The stories of these refugees, who are often caught in a system designed to exclude and exploit, demand urgent action from governments and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulanan Junaid Kharsany and Human Rights Attorney Sozarn Barday here.