Dr Violeta Moreno-Lax comments on the status of migrants and the dangers they face in the coronavirus crisis for AP News
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Thousands of migrants are trapped in limbo and even at risk of death without food, water or shelter, in deserts and at sea, as governments close off borders and ports amid the coronavirus pandemic. Many governments have declared emergencies, saying a public health crisis like the coronavirus pandemic requires extraordinary measures, however some view these measures as the latest efforts by governments to clamp down on migrants, despite human rights laws. Since the aftermath of World War II, laws have protected refugees and asylum seekers. Even if states have the right to close themselves off for national security, they cannot forcibly return migrants to countries where they will face violence and other dangers, according to Dr Violeta Moreno-Lax, Reader in Law from Queen Mary University of London.
Full article available on AP News.