EDITOR, The Tribune.

Rights Bahamas is appalled by reports that Immigration and Defence Force officers are continuing the unlawful practice of stopping civilians in the street and demanding proof of their right to be in the country.

Such oppressive tactics were closely associated with the dangerous immigration policy put in place by former minister Fred Mitchell. RB is deeply disappointed to learn that so far, they have been continued under this new FNM administration.

To be clear, there is nothing in the Immigration Act which allows Immigration or Defence Force officers to stop people in the street, grill them concerning their status, or insist that they produce documentation.

In fact, this is a blatant violation of the right to freedom of movement enshrined in the Bahamas Constitution and is therefore illegal.

Further, the practice of accosting people and demanding papers is most closely associated with repressive regimes which use fear as a tactic to control civilian populations and terrorize minorities in particular. Targeting people based on how they look or dress is discrimination.

Such behaviour has no place in a democracy based on equal rights and the rule of law.

Rights Bahamas calls on Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette to immediately bring an end to this deplorable practice and make it clear to his officers that they must at all times act within the confines of the law.

RIGHTS BAHAMAS

Formerly the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association

September 27, 2017