No one is illegal in one's own bare body; Political exclusion and and active cizenship

Abstract

According to the Norwegian Refugee Council nearly 44 million people were displaced from war and conflict in 2010, the highest number recorded in this millennium. However, only 1,6 million are currently in Europe, while the European Union (EU) estimate of undocumented migrants living in the EU in 2008 is ranging from 1,9 to 3,8 million people. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the United Nation Refugee Convention, it is important to discuss the Convention’s relevance today, as well as today’s major challenges associated with the refugee question. In this maze of problems undocumented migrants have a precarious status of inclusive exclusion. They may even be regarded as illegal in one’s own bare body finding themselves to be particular vulnerable to human rights violation. Thus we should be better and faster at finding long-term solutions on the refugee question. Active citizenship presupposes socially and politically participation. However, the ordinary system of help does not work to include all. Therefore voluntary organizations have a valuable complementary role to play and are in need of protection as well as of sufficient funding. We are collectively responsible for how the society is organized. In addition professionals have a particular responsibility for human rights violation within areas related to his or her profession. In this essay some responses called for to eliminate both formal and informal hindrances to ensure to all healthcare and social welfare will be discussed from a health professional approach.

Ninguém é ilegal no seu corpo nu: Exclusão politica e cidadania activa