Violences systémiques dans les centres fermés

Abstract

The essay examines one type of state-sponsored violence against undocumented migrants (especially women and children), which have been implemented since the late 1980s to control migration flows in Belgium. These policies are based on two pillars: the detention of undocumented migrants and their forced eviction. The examination of these practices reveals the systemic violence of this policy and the many violations of the fundamental rights. The author raises the question of the status of the regime of violence inflicted on undocumented migrants and their children in administrative detention centers: is it a case of abuse or torture? Regarding the detrimental effects on the mental and physical health of migrants (and their children), as powerful as those resulting from torture, the author suggests that, in some case, abuses designated by the courts could be called torture.