Activity 16: Internment Today

Today there is conflict and war in many parts of the world.  People take enormous risks with their lives to leave their homes and find refuge somewhere they think will be safer.   Some people living in Africa – much of which is at war - make voyages by sea trying to reach Europe.  When and if (many die on the way) they arrive on Spanish land (the nearest part of Europe to Africa) they are rounded up and detained by the Spanish authorities.

Consider these questions:

• What do you think about interning refugees who come from countries with whom we are at conflict?
• Are immigration laws based on justice and morality or something else?  If it’s something else, explain your thoughts.
• After September 11^th 2001 the British government changed the law to make it legal to intern suspected terrorists.  Do you think this is just?  Explain your thoughts.