THE WEAPONIZATION OF MIGRATION: an analysis on how human beings are seen as hybrid threat, the impact on human rights and the possible role of Stability Policing

This thesis explores the intricate nexus between migration, human rights, and international security, with a particular emphasis on the weaponization and instrumentalization of migration as a strategic tool in contemporary geopolitical scenarios. Rooted in the author's internship experience at the NATO Stability Policing Centre of Excellence, the research examines the historical and contemporary dimensions of migration as a geopolitical instrument, focusing on recent cases such as the Belarusian crisis of 2021. The thesis unfolds in three interconnected chapters. The initial chapter provides a comprehensive historical and geopolitical analysis of the instrumentalization of migration, examining cases from Turkey, Morocco, and Belarus. This foundational exploration sets the stage for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by the strategic use of migration in achieving geopolitical objectives. The second chapter delves into the human rights implications of weaponized migration, scrutinizing various violations such as breaches of the non-refoulement principle and the dire conditions faced by migrants. The analysis extends to the proposed Regulation by the European Parliament and the Council, with a focus on the European Council on Refugees and Exiles' perspective, offering observations and recommendations to safeguard fundamental rights. The third chapter introduces the concept of hybrid threats and investigates its application to the 2021 EU eastern external border crisis. The chapter also explores the potential role of Stability Policing in countering hybrid threats, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of this specialized law enforcement body's involvement in managing migration, combating human smuggling (and to some extent also human trafficking), while upholding human rights. By addressing key questions related to the motives and tactics behind the weaponization of migration, the linkages between weaponized migration and human smuggling, the role of Stability Policing in responding to hybrid threats, and the broader implications for international security and human rights, this research contributes valuable insights to a not yet fully explored dimension of global challenges. The thesis ultimately seeks to stimulate policy changes that prioritize human dignity, challenge dehumanization, and offer effective strategies for safeguarding human rights and global stability in the face of the strategic manipulation of migration flows.