Assistance needed: Schengen visa rules block human rights defenders, says Amnesty (Assalamu alaikum)
Assalamu alaikum - Amnesty International warns that Schengen visa rules are far too strict for many human rights defenders coming from poor or dangerous countries, especially in South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Their report points out 104 countries whose citizens face major obstacles getting short-stay visas to the 29 Schengen states. People travel for advocacy, networking, or to escape threats at home, but current policies often treat them unfairly - with barriers that disproportionately affect Black, Asian and Muslim applicants.
Erika Guevara Rosas from Amnesty said the result is that many defenders from the Global South are shut out of meetings and forums where decisions that affect their communities are made. While states can control their borders, the report argues their visa systems clash with commitments to protect human rights defenders.
Amnesty lists practical problems: applicants sometimes don’t have a local embassy or visa centre to apply at and must travel abroad just to file paperwork; many lack the required financial or employment documents because they come from marginalized backgrounds; and general inconsistency and lack of transparency from visa officials.
The organisation highlights the updated EU Visa Handbook as a positive step, saying its examples and guidance should be shared and used widely - including by visa staff outside Europe. Amnesty also urges creating a reliable fast-track visa process for human rights defenders.
They interviewed dozens of organisations and activists who described long delays, denials, and the heavy costs and risks involved in trying to reach Europe for protection or to speak up. The call is for fairer, faster, and more transparent visa practices so defenders can carry out their work and access safety without facing discrimination.
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