大象传媒

Asnake Kefale
Associate Professor, Addis Ababa University

Securing cooperation from origin countries for the return of rejected asylum seekers has become increasingly challenging. In this presentation, we will share key findings from a collaborative research study by Norwegian and Ethiopian scholars on the politics of return cooperation between Norway and Ethiopia.

Our research reveals a significant 鈥減ower shift鈥� in return cooperation dynamics. Despite the traditional dominance of global north countries, nations in the global south, such as Ethiopia, are exerting greater influence over the return process than previously perceived.

Using a constructivist approach to international relations, we analyse the major factors influencing return cooperation through norms, interests, and practices at the international, national, and community levels. Our study identifies key elements shaping return cooperation.

One significant finding from our research is the alignment of European/Norwegian return policies and practices with international human rights norms, particularly the 1951 International Convention on Refugees. However, we observe a troubling trend: countries with poor human rights records have long disregarded their obligations to protect migrants and ensure due process. Alarmingly, this practice has extended to nations that have traditionally championed human rights鈥攕uch as the United States under the current administration.

How do these recent developments influence the policy and cooperation of return agreements between global north and south countries?

惭辞诲别谤补迟辞谤:听, Research Professor at CMI