New risk scenarios for return migrants in the context of the Covid 19 pandemic in Latin America

Abstract

This article seeks to understand the practices of aggression and discrimination against migrants in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not only about dealing with the usual anti-immigrant policies, but now we add the rejection of returning transnational migrants by their own governments. In this way, we analyze these policies that crystallized especially with the arbitrary closing of borders, leaving thousands of Latin American migrants stranded and in uncertainty. Through a qualitative and analytical approach, a documentary review of reports from organizations for the defense of human rights, as well as from the international press, was carried out in the period from March to July 2020, one of the most critical for the migrant population in the region. Especially for Venezuelans, Bolivians and Central Americans trying to return to their countries, after the closure of businesses caused by the coronavirus in the places to which they had migrated. It was found that the action and negligence of the States caused the multiple violation of the human rights of these people, who saw their integrity and their lives endangered, without a legal and ethical basis.