Many countries in the world now detain those arriving at their borders in search of a new life. Migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees all suffer from violations of their human rights as states mistakenly regard detention as a deterrent against undesired migratory flows. Serious factors motivate individuals to depart their homes and travel to other countries, such as civil war, human rights violations, economic or environmental problems, and these factors are more decisive than any deterrent effect of detention.