Human Rights Violations and Refugee Movements

Human rights violations are breaches of basic freedoms and protections every person is entitled to, regardless of nationality, gender, religion, or other characteristics. These violations can take various forms, including torture, arbitrary imprisonment, denial of healthcare, or deprivation of education. Human rights violations are particularly relevant in refugee movements, as many individuals flee their home countries to escape persecution, violence, or systemic oppression. In this article, we will explore the definition of human rights violations, provide examples of human rights violations, and explain the connection between these violations and the movement of refugees.

What Are Human Rights Violations?

A human rights violation occurs when a government or group infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed to individuals under international law. These rights are outlined in various documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and include the right to life, liberty, and security, as well as the right to education and freedom from torture or inhumane treatment.

Human Rights Violations Examples

Examples of human rights violations include:

• Torture and cruel treatment
• Forced labor or slavery
• Unjust imprisonment
• Genocide or ethnic cleansing
• Denial of freedom of speech or assembly
• Denial of access to basic healthcare or education
  
  

Governments are often the primary perpetrators of human rights violations, but non-state actors, such as militias or extremist groups, can also be responsible. These violations can lead to significant displacement as people flee to escape persecution or violence.

The Connection Between Human Rights Violations and Refugee Movements

Human rights violations are a leading cause of forced displacement and refugee movements. When individuals experience a violation of human rights, such as persecution based on ethnicity or political beliefs, they may have no choice but to leave their homes. Refugees often face dangerous journeys as they seek safety in other countries, with many attempting to reach safe havens that adhere to international refugee protection standards.

According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), over 122 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by mid-2024, including nearly 32 million refugees. Many of these individuals fled human rights violations, such as those occurring in Syria, Venezuela, and Myanmar. For instance, the Syrian civil war has displaced millions due to violations of human rights like arbitrary detention and torture.

The 1951 Refugee Convention — and its 1967 Protocol — provides legal protections for refugees. However, in practice, these protections are not always sufficient. Refugees often face difficulties accessing asylum or protection, and their rights are sometimes further violated in countries of transit or even in refugee camps.

Violation of Human Rights in Refugee Camps

While refugees seek safety outside their home countries, they may continue to experience violations of human rights in refugee camps. These violations include inadequate living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to violence or exploitation. Some of the human rights violations refugees experience in camps include forced evictions, physical abuse, and gender-based violence.

For example, the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have faced human rights violations in the camps they inhabit. Restricted access to food, healthcare, and education, as well as overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, contribute to continued suffering. 

Refugee Human Rights Violations Outside of Camps

The plight of refugees does not end when they escape their home countries. Many face further persecution, discrimination, or human rights violations in transit or when attempting to settle in a new country. These violations include limited access to asylum procedures, xenophobic attacks, and restrictive government policies that deny refugees basic rights such as work or education.

Refugees are often viewed with suspicion or hostility, leading to their marginalization. The role of the media in shaping public opinion on refugees significantly affects how refugees are treated in their countries of arrival. Negative portrayals can lead to harsher policies and further violations of human rights.

Human Rights Violations in Conflict Zones

In many cases, refugees' human rights violations stem from conflicts in their home countries. War often brings with it a surge in human rights violations, including mass killings, sexual violence, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. Syria, for example, has witnessed large-scale human rights violations throughout its civil war, leading to the displacement of over 14 million people. Similarly, in Venezuela, government crackdowns on dissent have forced millions to flee, with many crossing into neighboring countries despite facing further risks.

War not only creates refugees but also traumatizes them. Those who have witnessed or experienced violations of human rights in conflict zones often require specialized mental health care. Read more about the link between war trauma and mental health here.

Examples of Human Rights Violations Refugees Face

• Denial of Asylum: Some governments restrict refugees' ability to seek asylum, violating their right to international protection.
• Violence in Camps: Refugees often face physical violence or sexual exploitation in camps.
• Xenophobia and Discrimination: Refugees are sometimes subjected to hate crimes or denied access to public services due to discriminatory policies.
• Detention of Asylum Seekers: Some countries detain refugees in poor conditions while their asylum claims are processed, violating their rights.
  
  

The Importance of Addressing Refugee Human Rights Violations

Addressing the human rights violations refugees face requires coordinated global efforts. Organizations like the United Nations and the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) work to protect refugees' rights, ensuring they receive adequate support, including access to healthcare, shelter, and education. Individuals can contribute by donating effectively to refugee causes and advocating for humane refugee policies in their countries.

Improving the situation around refugees' human rights violations is critical for maintaining international peace and security. By addressing the root causes of refugee movements — such as government oppression, war, and ethnic cleansing — and protecting refugees from further abuse, the international community can create a safer, more equitable world.

Human rights violations are a significant driving force behind refugee movements. From war-torn countries to repressive regimes, millions of people are forced to flee each year to escape persecution and violence. However, human rights violations do not end when refugees leave their home countries. Many continue to face abuse in refugee camps and countries of arrival, making it essential for the global community to take action. By understanding human rights and actively working to protect refugee rights, individuals and organizations can help ensure that refugees are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

ICMC advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, and all migrants. ICMC and its members, the national conferences of Catholic bishops worldwide, remain committed to supporting immigration policies that produce more sustainable solutions.

ICMC’s efforts include protecting internally displaced children in Burkina Faso, providing support to survivors of gender-based violence in Malaysia, aiding displaced Ukrainians, and more.

We rely on donations to fund our critical humanitarian work and continue changing lives. Find out how you can make a difference and help migrants, internally displaced persons, and refugees in need today!

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.