Normalization of border deathsNormalization of border deaths is the mirror process of a-normalization, exceptionalization of migration. “Even when border deaths appear (or are presented) as ‘natural or ‘accidental’, they are in fact the result of the structural violence of migration policies” (Cuttitta 2020: 11). Paolo Cuttitta (2020: 12) highlights that presenting border deaths as accidental, or as a result of nature, criminal activities,... More is the mirror process of a-normalization, exceptionalization of migration. “Even when border deathsBorder deaths or migrant deaths “describe the premature deaths of persons whose movement or presence has been unauthorized and irregularized as they navigate or interact with state-made boundaries” (Last 2020: 21). A narrow definition includes only those deaths that occur during the border crossing (at the borderline) or the transit from one country to another, while more contextual definitions include... More appear (or are presented) as ‘natural or ‘accidental’, they are in fact the result of the structural violence of migration policies” (Cuttitta 2020: 11). Paolo Cuttitta (2020: 12) highlights that presenting border deathsBorder deaths or migrant deaths “describe the premature deaths of persons whose movement or presence has been unauthorized and irregularized as they navigate or interact with state-made boundaries” (Last 2020: 21). A narrow definition includes only those deaths that occur during the border crossing (at the borderline) or the transit from one country to another, while more contextual definitions include... More as accidental, or as a result of nature, criminal activities, or of the irresponsible action of migrants, means diverting the attention from these deaths’ roots in migration and border policies.
Literature:
Cuttitta, Paolo. 2020. „Preface: The increasing Focus on Border DeathsBorder deaths or migrant deaths “describe the premature deaths of persons whose movement or presence has been unauthorized and irregularized as they navigate or interact with state-made boundaries” (Last 2020: 21). A narrow definition includes only those deaths that occur during the border crossing (at the borderline) or the transit from one country to another, while more contextual definitions include... More“. In Border Deaths. Causes, Dynamics and Consequences of Migration-related Mortality. Paolo Cuttitta and Tamara Last, eds. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 9-20.