‘Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.’ Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.

The given quotation is the principle of non-refoulement under the international human rights law. It has been observed that countries are either closing the borders or deporting refugees back to their countries of origin. 

Democratic countries with claims of open societies violating the principle:

● The United States is not only deporting but also sealing the borders on refugees from Mexico and other countries.

● Denmark has recently taken a number of measures to deport refugees from Syria and some other countries.

● Europe and the US claim themselves as the most open and multicultural societies. But the rising incidences of xenophobia has proved otherwise. 

Ethical dimensions being violated by nations:

Using justification like national security, limited resources and opportunities, etc nations are violating following ethical principles by refusing asylum to refugees.

1. Kantian Ethics: which emphasizes, it is the categorical imperative to do that which is right. Nations are therefore duty-bound to protect refugees.

2. Utilitarianism emphasizes on the idea of the greatest good of the greatest number which can be achieved when refugees are accorded protection and rights in the host country.

3. Gandhiji believed that every individual had the right to dignity & good life, therefore the betterment of human life must be the prime goal of political and social action.

4. As per Panchsheel, which guides our international relations, duties towards protecting refugees are key to the pillar of peaceful co-existence.

Not all democratic and open societies are violating ethical dimensions:

• Germany and Canada are considered as the most welcoming countries for refugees.

• France and the UK have also opened their doors for refugees fleeing the human rights crisis.

• Turkey, a country on the crossroads of Asia and Europe is home to the largest number of refugees in the world. 

• India has also officially accepted refugees from Afghanistan as it did in the past in case of Tibetan and Bangladeshi refugees. 

Our traditional Indian philosophies have taught us the lesson of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. As the refugees have the moral right of seeking asylum, it is also an ethical responsibility of the government to protect the domestic population from security threats. Therefore, the two sets of ethical obligations must be balanced with wisdom and vision.