I am attending the conference on life beyond borders to engage in discussion and share reflections. None of the world’s countries have open borders, though in the European Union borders are open between member states. Nations spend huge amounts on border controls. Britain wants to “take control of our own borders”. Most borders were formed in the twentieth century and are based on fear, anxiety and insecurity.
A hostile tone is now portrayed in immigration practice using images of rough seas, dangerous deserts, and deportation to Rwanda, to stop migration. At the same time there is challenge to this hostile environment, not least from those who see open borders as the way ahead. There is a growing body of research and literature questioning the wisdom of borders that are designed to prevent freedom of movement. History shows us that it is not truly possible to stop migrants/refugees. People whose lives are in danger will move to find sanctuary regardless of obstacles in their path. They will stand up to hostile attitudes and disregard physical dangers, not least because the way back is worse than the way forward. With increasing dangers to life and livelihood arising for example from the dangers of war and global warming human beings will do what they have always done, move to safer territories. Boundaries protect the vulnerable from oppression and abuse and should be honoured. Borders protect the strong from the weak, as such they should be contested. I want to talk about this with others, those who agree and those who disagree, and will facilitate a workshop on these matters.
