[Guadalajara, Jal. July 21, 2020] Today The Rhizome Center for Migrants joined a regional coalition of 41 organizations in requesting a multi-country thematic hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The request calls on the Commission to protect human rights in the American hemisphere by addressing the wide-ranging impacts of recent U.S. migration policies on migrants, refugees, and unaccompanied children throughout the region. 

The request focuses on three primary areas of concern.

COVID-19 measures put in place by the governments of the United States and Mexico violate, among others, the rights to seek asylum; not to be returned to a country where one’s life or freedom would be threatened; to due process; not to be subjected to arbitrary detention; to family unity; to respect the best interests of the child; and to the preservation of health and well-being.

Asylum Cooperative Agreements (“ACA”) violate the principle of non-refoulement; the requirements stipulated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) for safe third country transfers; and the rights to a fair trial and due process.

Under the Migrant Protection Protocols (“MPP”), the United States, in coordination with Mexico, violates the principle of non-refoulement, and fails to protect the rights to life, liberty and personal security, equality before the law, and due process.

To read the full request submitted by the Immigration & Deportation Defense Clinic at the University of San Francisco, click here.