WILLEMSTAD - Venezuelan refugees in Curaçao are opting out of seeking international protection procedures en masse. Not because Venezuela is safe for them, but because the detention conditions in Curaçao are even more dangerous.
According to Human Rights Defense Curaçao (HRDC), many Venezuelan refugees currently detained are experiencing severe mental distress, finding the inhumane conditions in the detention center unbearable.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on the governments of Aruba and Curaçao to address the protection risks faced by Venezuelan migrants.
Article 3
Eight Venezuelan refugees, including an 18-year-old girl and young mothers, have been held by the Curaçao government since November last year for attempting to enter Curaçao by boat without registering themselves.
They all sought protection under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights to prevent deportation. Last week, Human Rights Defense Curaçao (HRDC) defended these individuals against the Minister of Justice, requesting their release with an obligation to report.
These eight individuals were part of a group of 29 refugees who sought protection in December based on Article 3, which is also applicable to Curaçao under European law. It is an absolute right that protects against torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment when being deported to the country of origin.
Hearing
During the court hearing, eight months after their arrest, the government stated that a decision on the Article 3 ECHR requests of these eight individuals would be made on July 14th. This decision no longer affects the ongoing legal proceedings.
However, according to HRDC, it demonstrates that the government is extraordinarily slow in making decisions that can have far-reaching legal consequences and, in many cases, a matter of life or death for those facing deportation.
Indifference
HRDC once again raises its voice against what it deems the government's indifference and blatant lack of conscience in matters of human rights, including those concerning undocumented individuals.
The appellate judges will decide no later than August 7th on the Venezuelans' request for release with an obligation to report to the Immigration Service.