The engagement of JRS in opposing the current trend of national authorities of resorting to
detention as a tool to manage migration is based on both ethical and international legal
considerations. The most reasonable strategy, taking into account the security and procedural
justifications presented by the States, seems to be to ask at national level (and, where
appropriate and possible, supported by an adequate campaign in the media) that detention be
replaced by alternative measures that respect the dignity and the rights of asylum seekers,
adapted to the local reality and effective in pursuing the legitimate aims expressed by the
State in resorting to detention.
