How-To Understand the Implications of the Safe Third Country Agreement in International Agreements

Step 1: Understand the Basic Concept of a Safe Third Country Agreement

The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is an international accord between two or more countries which states that individuals seeking refugee status must make their claim in the first safe country they arrive in. This means an asylum seeker cannot pass through one safe country to apply for asylum in another safe country.

Step 2: Identify the Parties Involved

Identify the countries involved in the STCA. For instance, the most well-known agreement is between the U.S and Canada. Understanding which countries are party to such agreements will help you understand its geographical and political implications.

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with International Refugee Law

Study international refugee law, specifically the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. These principles govern asylum processes worldwide and are cornerstone documents for understanding refugee rights and nations’ obligations.

Step 4: Understand the terms of the STCA

Review the specific terms of the STCA you are interested in. Ask questions like: Which ports of entry does it cover? Are there exceptions? For example, the U.S.-Canada STCA only applies at official border crossings, not irregular ones.

Step 5: Analyze Possible Implications

Analyze potential implications like human rights issues, immigration trends, legal challenges, and any controversies surrounding STCA. Is there evidence of people being returned to situations of harm because of this policy? Are there issues with countries being deemed ‘safe’ when they might not be?

Step 6: Follow Expert Analysis and Commentary

Keep up with expert analysis from international law scholars, human rights organizations, UNHCR commentary, reports from non-profit organizations on refugee issues.

Step 7: Stay Updated with Related Legal Cases and Decisions

Monitor related legal cases and decisions that challenge or interpret the STCA, as court rulings can drastically affect its implementation and repercussions.

Step 8: Understand Other International Agreements

Comparing the STCA with similar agreements in other regions can provide additional context. For instance, the Dublin Regulation is a similar agreement among European Union countries.

Step 9: Consult Professional Legal Advice

If the implications of the STCA impact you directly (if you are an asylum seeker) or your work (if you work in a related field), consulting with a legal expert who specializes in international refugee law will provide accurate interpretation tailored to your specific situation.

Step 10: Monitor Updates

Keep an eye on policy changes, reviews, or updates to amendments of the STCA and international refugee law. This helps to understand the evolving implications and real-world impacts of the agreement.

Remember, understanding the STCA’s implications is not a one-time process but involves constant learning and updating your knowledge base.