(In)Voluntary Repatriation and Human Rights Violations of Kosovar Returnees

In January 2023, the European Commission presented a plan to increase the number of return migrants who return to countries outside the European Union (EU), after having fled their countries of origin due to war, political conflict, and the socio-economic consequences of such conflicts. This plan is supported by the EU and the UNHCR adoption of repatriation, or the right of displaced peoples to return to their country of origin, as the preferred solution to the migration crisis. This preference has been in effect since 1996, despite a significant body of research which substantiates that repatriation is not sustainable. To address the discrepancy between existing evidence and the adoption of repatriation as a sustainable solution, this study was grounded in a postcolonial and transnational feminist framework and used critical discourses analysis to explore the forced repatriation of Kosovars. Kosova offers an important case study on repatriation as it has one of the highest numbers of returnees per capita. In addition, considering that migration is a gendered process, this study included interviews with 15 return migrant women and 18 social service providers in Kosovo who support return migrants. Findings suggest that, contrary to the UNHCR assumption that repatriation is voluntary, most return migrant interviewees were forced to return, and many had their human rights violated during the return process. Interviews with service providers give insight into the dilemmas that social workers face when working with returnees whose rights have been violated. The article discusses the difficulties social workers in Kosova face when trying to uphold the social work commitment to social justice. Although centered on Kosovo, the study’s implications are important for social workers practicing anywhere, as practice with people who migrate is an increasing occurrence within social work, and we need to be better prepared to navigate the dilemmas we face.