(ANSA) - GENEVA, JAN 11 - United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said a new US border control plan risks undermining the foundations of international human rights and refugee law.
"The right to seek asylum is a human right, regardless of origin, immigrant status or how one arrived at an international border", Volker Turk declared in a statement, warning that the new measures "appear to be in conflict with the prohibition of collective expulsion and with the principle of non-refoulement".
The announced changes include increased use of expedited removals and the extension of the use of public health order "Title 42" to allow for the expeditious deportations to Mexico of approximately 30,000 Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans and Nicaraguans each month. .
At the same time, a program previously targeted at Venezuelans would also include citizens of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua, allowing some 30,000 people a month from these four countries to enter the United States for a limited period of two years "with strict eligibility conditions."
"While I welcome measures to create and expand safe and regular pathways, such initiatives should not come at the expense of fundamental human rights, including the right to seek asylum and the right to an individual assessment of protection needs," said the High Commissioner.
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