In a harrowing account of discrimination and dehumanisation, Muhammed Lamin Dibba, a traveller departing from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, sheds light on the systemic biases faced by migrants, particularly those of African descent, in the West.
His experience, detailed on May 30, 2023, serves as an emotional call for equality and dignity for all migrants, irrespective of their nationality or skin colour.
Dibba recounts being subjected to unsettling treatment, including rigorous security scrutiny and aggressive physical searches, merely based on the colour of his skin and the passport he held.
While individuals presumed to be white or possessing European passports passed through with ease, Dibba faced suspicion and mistrust. Despite no incriminating evidence found during the searches, he was subjected to humiliating procedures, highlighting a clear disparity in treatment.
The incident at Schiphol Airport reflects a broader issue of the securitization of borders, where the pursuit of safety often trumps respect for human dignity.
Dibba appropriately points out that behind every migrant lies a human story, overshadowed by stringent security measures.
He argues for a modification of policies to strike a balance between safeguarding national security and upholding the fundamental rights of migrants.
Drawing on the work of scholars like E. Tendayi Achiume, Dibba contextualises his experience within a historical and global perspective.
He highlights the hypocrisy in migration policies, where European mobility in the past contrasted sharply with the restrictive measures faced by migrants from the Third World today.
Such disparities, he argues, violate international norms and agreements, including Article 13 of the United Nations Charter and the Global Compact of Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
Dibba’s call for action extends beyond seeking an apology from the Netherlands; he urges global solidarity with all migrants facing discrimination.
He emphasises the need for collective support to combat bigotry and discrimination, particularly against Africans routinely subjected to mistreatment at Western airports.
Dibba’s narrative underscores the urgency of addressing systemic biases and injustices faced by migrants worldwide. His advocacy for equality and dignity resonates as a ringing call for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to migration policies.
This account serves as a stark reminder that the journey towards equality and justice for migrants is far from over, and concerted efforts are needed to ensure a world where every individual is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or nationality.
By:
Muhammed LAMIN Dibba