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Atak, Idil; Crépeau, FranÁois --- "National security, terrorism and the securitization of migration" [2014] ELECD 178; in Chetail, Vincent; Bauloz, Céline (eds), "Research Handbook on International Law and Migration" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2014) 93

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Law and Migration

Editor(s): Chetail, Vincent; Bauloz, Céline

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9780857930040

Section: Chapter 2

Section Title: National security, terrorism and the securitization of migration

Author(s): Atak, Idil; Crépeau, FranÁois

Number of pages: 20

Abstract/Description:

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 11 September, the fear of terrorism led to the reinforcement of antiterrorist measures and of the security-related policy apparatus everywhere. The Madrid train bombings in 2004, followed by the London attacks a year later, further strengthened the security logic that has dominated asylum and immigration policies since the late 1970s. The security question has been framed in terms of cross-border movements. Connections between counter-terrorism, immigration and asylum are related to a more general assumption that the 'danger' comes from 'out there', from foreigners. Terrorism has been linked to the presence of foreigners in the national territory. Immigration measures have been integrated in antiterrorist strategies and used as a repressive tool. Policymakers authorized exponential growth in funding for immigration programmes with a connection to security. Conversely, counter-terrorism measures, such as control orders, administrative detention, listings and freezing of assets, directly targeted foreigners. Physical barriers have been increased as well as reliance on technology. Migration has become an issue in the context of national security policy. In the formulation and implementation of counter-terrorism strategies, principles of human rights law, refugee law and humanitarian law have been questioned. Despite increasing acknowledgment of the need for adequate protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants while countering terrorism, striking a balance between national security, on the one hand, and due protection of migrants' rights and freedoms, on the other, remains a challenge.