Human Rights for All? Europe's Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), Response and Discrimination towards Migrants from the Global South

Abstract

This paper examines the double standards in Europe's treatment of refugees by looking at the preferential treatment of Ukrainian refugees and the disparate treatment of refugees perceived to be from the global south, particularly those from the Middle East and North Africa. The paper analyzes the Temporary Protection Directive, different policies that were applied to other crises, the broader humanitarian response, and an analysis of the media and public discourse to highlight the differential treatment of refugees from different regions by using existing academic work, policies, news articles, and journals. My research endeavors to make a meaningful contribution to the body of critical assessments of the European Union's response to refugees and migration, with a specific focus on addressing double standards in Europe's treatment of refugees. By examining the EU's policies, practices, and actions in this realm, I seek to shed light on potential shortcomings and challenges while advocating for equal treatment of forcefully displaced people. The study aims to provide policy recommendations for consistent and equitable treatment of all refugees who are seeking protection in Europe.