Jump to content

Separation barrier: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Jamescooly (talk | contribs)
186 edits
No edit summary
m Reverted edits by Jemkiranm (talk) to last version by GeorgeLouis
(46 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Multiple issues|
{{pp-protected|expiry=2013-04-19T16:01:38Z|small=yes}}{{Multiple issues|
{{Neologism|date=February 2013}}
{{Neologism|date=February 2013}}
{{Original research|date=February 2013}}
{{Original research|date=February 2013}}
Line 9: Line 9:
The term originated to describe the various fences, walls and other [[Israeli barrier|barriers]] [[Israel]] created to separate [[Palestinian people|Palestinians]] in the [[Israeli-occupied territories]] of the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza]] from Israel, to separate various Palestinian towns and villages within the occupied territories from each other, as well as to separate [[Egypt]] from Israel.<ref>Steven Poole, ''Unspeak: How Words Become Weapons, How Weapons Become a Message, and How That Message Becomes Reality'', [[Grove Press]], 2007, [http://books.google.com/books?id=vY2AVhOEKxAC&pg=PA81&dq=term+%22separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FeguUfmYMqLq0wHUpYGgDw&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=term%20%22separation%20barrier%22&f=false p. 81], ISBN 0802143059, 9780802143051</ref><ref>Fiona de Londras, ''Detention in the 'War on Terror': Can Human Rights Fight Back?'', [[Cambridge University Press]], 2011, [http://books.google.com/books?id=daLDq8aKFrkC&pg=PA177&dq=term+%22separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FeguUfmYMqLq0wHUpYGgDw&ved=0CEYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=term%20%22separation%20barrier%22&f=false p. 177-178], ISBN 1139500031, 9781139500036</ref><ref>Robert Zelnick, ''Israel's Unilateralism: Beyond Gaza'', [[Hoover Press]], 2006, [http://books.google.com/books?id=Ie9wvGsKyJYC&pg=PA31&dq=term+%22separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FeguUfmYMqLq0wHUpYGgDw&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=term%20%22separation%20barrier%22&f=false p 30-31], ISBN 0817947736, 9780817947736</ref>
The term originated to describe the various fences, walls and other [[Israeli barrier|barriers]] [[Israel]] created to separate [[Palestinian people|Palestinians]] in the [[Israeli-occupied territories]] of the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza]] from Israel, to separate various Palestinian towns and villages within the occupied territories from each other, as well as to separate [[Egypt]] from Israel.<ref>Steven Poole, ''Unspeak: How Words Become Weapons, How Weapons Become a Message, and How That Message Becomes Reality'', [[Grove Press]], 2007, [http://books.google.com/books?id=vY2AVhOEKxAC&pg=PA81&dq=term+%22separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FeguUfmYMqLq0wHUpYGgDw&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=term%20%22separation%20barrier%22&f=false p. 81], ISBN 0802143059, 9780802143051</ref><ref>Fiona de Londras, ''Detention in the 'War on Terror': Can Human Rights Fight Back?'', [[Cambridge University Press]], 2011, [http://books.google.com/books?id=daLDq8aKFrkC&pg=PA177&dq=term+%22separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FeguUfmYMqLq0wHUpYGgDw&ved=0CEYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=term%20%22separation%20barrier%22&f=false p. 177-178], ISBN 1139500031, 9781139500036</ref><ref>Robert Zelnick, ''Israel's Unilateralism: Beyond Gaza'', [[Hoover Press]], 2006, [http://books.google.com/books?id=Ie9wvGsKyJYC&pg=PA31&dq=term+%22separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FeguUfmYMqLq0wHUpYGgDw&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=term%20%22separation%20barrier%22&f=false p 30-31], ISBN 0817947736, 9780817947736</ref>


The term "separation barrier'' also has been applied to other such walls or fences.
The term "separation barrier" also has been applied to other such walls or fences.


==Current separation barriers==
==Current separation barriers==
===Afghanistan===
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2013}}
In January 2006, [[Afghanistan]]'s government decreed that the [[United Nations]], the American [[embassy]] and other foreign organizations in [[Kabul]] must clear concrete security barriers that protect their buildings. Most Kabul streets are full of security barriers and large concrete anti-blast blocks aimed at protecting against the insurgent and [[terrorist attacks]] that have risen in the past four years since the fall of the [[Taliban]] regime. The decree follows pressure from the newly formed [[Politics of Afghanistan|Afghan parliament]] and public complaints over the heavy traffic jams caused by the barriers. The foreign groups are expressing concern and saying that the security situation does not permit that. The United Nations is one of the organizations concerned by the [[Politics of Afghanistan|Afghan government's]] order. UN chief spokesman in Kabul Adrian Edwards said that security barriers are still required. "We are in a difficult security environment which certainly hasn't improved during 2005", Edwards said. "There have been a number of [[suicide attacks]]. Within the UN here, I think none of us would wish to be behind these barricades, we would prefer things could be open as we are in some other countries. However, there have been necessary for our security, that's why they are there." The Afghan government has said it is determined to remove all the barricades. The directive of the government says that "blocking the footpaths, streets, and roads is illegal" and that no one has the right to create obstructions, the only exception being the [[presidential palace]].

===Botswana===
In 2003, [[Botswana]] began building a {{convert|300|mi|km|adj=on}}-long electric fence along its border with [[Zimbabwe]]. The official reason for the fence is to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease among livestock. Zimbabweans argue that the height of the fence is clearly intended to keep out people. Botswana has responded that the fence is designed to keep out cattle, and to ensure that entrants have their shoes disinfected at legal border crossings. Botswana also argued that the government continues to encourage legal movement into the country. Zimbabwe was unconvinced, and the barrier remains a source of tension between the two nations.<ref>{{Cite news|periodical=BBC News|title=Zimbabwe crisis spills over border|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3582459.stm|last=Phillips|first=Barnaby|date=2004-03-30 | accessdate=January 4, 2010|postscript=.}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}

===Brazil===
[[Brazil]] building of huge concrete walls (up to 10 feet in some places) serves as “eco-barriers’” to contain urban sprawl.{{cn|date=January 2013}} Officials see it as a means of protecting the forest but critics maintain that it's a strategy for walling in and containing the city’s favelas (slums). The critics argue that the eco-barriers are a cover for cleaning up the city in preparation for the World Cup in 2014 and hosting of the Olympics in 2016.

===Brunei===
[[Brunei]] is building a security fence along its 20-km border with [[Limbang]] to stop the flow of irregular migrants and smuggled goods.{{cn|date=January 2013}}

===China===
The [[People's Republic of China]] (PRC) has two [[Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China|Special Administrative Regions]], namely [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] on its southeastern coast. Both of them maintain controlled intra-national borders with the neighbouring [[Guangdong|Guangdong province]] in [[Mainland China]]. An [[identity document]] is inspected when one crosses the border.

Hong Kong was a [[British Overseas Territory|Dependent Territory]] of the [[United Kingdom]] until its [[sovereignty]] was [[Transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong|handed over to the PRC in 1997]], while Macau was a [[Political divisions of Portugal#Former regions|Special Territory]] of [[Portugal]] until its sovereignty was [[History of Macau#Handover to the People.27s Republic of China|handed over to the PRC in 1999]]. Before the transfers of sovereignty back to the PRC, the Hong Kong–-Guangdong and Macau–Guangdong borders were regarded as [[international border]]s.

Under the principle of "[[One Country, Two Systems]]", the two Special Administrative Regions continue to maintain their own [[customs]] and [[immigration]] policies, which are independent of those in Mainland China after the handovers. Due to differences in the policies between the special administrative regions and the Mainland, the Hong Kong–Guandgong and Macau–Guangdong borders have been maintained in operation after the returns.

[[Hong Kong]] has a border stretching 32&nbsp;km with the [[Shenzhen]] [[Special Economic Zone]] of Guangdong that features fences, thermal image sensors, lights and [[closed-circuit television]]. The border is also patrolled regularly by police. Just south of [[Shenzhen River]] (the geographical [[delimitation]] of the border) is a strip of rural land with restricted access, the 28&nbsp;km² [[Closed Area]]. Currently, the four road border crossings are located at [[Sha Tau Kok]], [[Man Kam To]], [[Lok Ma Chau]] and [[Shenzhen Bay Control Point|Shenzhen Bay]], and a railway and traveller crossing is located at [[Lo Wu]]. The residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are required to have their [[Hong Kong Identity Card|Hong Kong ID Cards]] inspected by the [[Immigration Department|Hong Kong Immigration Department]] and their [[Home Return Permit]]s inspected by the [[Public Security Bureau]] of Guangdong when they cross the border.

[[Macau]] has been maintaining a 340-metre controlled border with [[Zhuhai|Zhuhai City]] in Guangdong with a crossing available at the [[Portas do Cerco|Border Gate]] (built in 1870).<ref>[http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/macau/sightseeing-in-macau/barrier-gate.html Barrier Gate of Macau, Macau Barrier Gate. Macau Gate, Portas do Cerco Macau, Macau Sightseeing Tour, Asiarooms<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}} The border crossing is equipped with 54 counters for travelers and 8 for vehicular traffic. Opened in 1999, the [[Transportation in Macau|Lotus Bridge]] in [[Macau]] supplemented what has been the only border crossing into mainland China through Border Gate. Both border crossings allow access into [[Zhuhai]].

China, in October 2006, is also building a security barrier along its border with [[North Korea]] to prevent the [[illegal immigrant]]s from North Korea.<ref>[http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/10/china-building-border-fence-facing.php China building border fence facing North Korea]</ref>{{dead link|date=February 2013}}

===Cyprus===
===Cyprus===
Since [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|1974]] [[Turkey]] has constructed and maintains a separation barrier of {{convert|300|km|mi}} along the 1974 Green Line (or ceasefire line) dividing the [[Republic of Cyprus]] into two parts, in violation of multiple [[United Nations Security Council Resolution]]s; the [[de facto]] Turkish controlled northern one-third of the Republic and the remaining southern two-thirds of [[Cyprus]] to separate Turkish and Greek Cypriot populations.
Since the [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|1974]] [[Turkey]] has constructed and maintains a separation barrier of {{convert|300|km|mi}} along the 1974 Green Line (or ceasefire line) dividing the [[Republic of Cyprus]] into two parts along the [[United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus|United Nations Buffer Zone]].<ref>Rongxing Guo, ''Territorial Disputes and Resource Management: A Global Handbook'', Nova Publishers, 2006, [http://books.google.com/books?id=z5Le627xQLgC&pg=PA91&dq=cyprus+%22separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=BR5LUayBA6K40gHwpoEw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=cyprus%20%22separation%20barrier%22&f=false p 91],
ISBN 1600214452, 9781600214455</ref>
*[[United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus]]

===Egypt===
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2010}}
A security fence around the Egyptian town of [[Sharm el-Sheikh]] was constructed in response to a spate of terrorist attacks at the resort. Government officials say the fence, equipped with checkpoints to allow vehicles into the area, will deter terrorists. In addition South Sinai Governor Mustafa Afifi said the fence will help control the effect of heavy seasonal rains and will reduce the number of vehicle-camel crashes that occur on the Sharm el-Sheik highway.

The Rafah Border Crossing (Arabic: معبر رفح, Hebrew: מעבר רפיח) is an international border crossing between Egyptian and Palestinian-controlled Rafah. It was built by the Israeli and Egyptian governments after the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty and 1982 Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, and was managed by the Israel Airports Authority until it was evacuated on 11 September 2005 as part of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan. It has since become the mission of the European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah (EUBAM) to monitor the crossing.

===Greece===
{{See also|Greek–Turkish relations}}
After having made an agreement with [[Frontex]] on the guard of the maritime borders of [[Greece]] with [[Turkey]]<ref>http://www.frontex.europa.eu/newsroom/news_releases/art74.html</ref>{{dead link|date=February 2013}} the Greek government decided a wall to be built at the land border with Turkey, the [[Evros River]].<ref>http://www.theinsider.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9282:wall-against-immigrants-in-evros&catid=3:society&Itemid=41</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2013}} These actions have been made as a reaction to the illegal immigration to Greece through the Greco-Turkish borders. These immigrants are originated from [[Muslim world|Muslim]] [[Asia]]n and [[Africa]]n states. From January to the beginning of November 2010, 32,500 illegal migrants were intercepted in a single 12.5-kilometer stretch of the Turkish-Greek border along the Evros river.Actually this site is the main entrance of illegal immigrants to the [[EU]] from the Asian continent.<ref>http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=greek--barrier-on-border-with-turkey-to-keep-out-migrants-2011-01-02</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}} Illegal immigration is a current subject between the two countries.


===India===
===India===
{{unreferencedsection|date=March 2013}}
Since the mid-1990s, India has been involved in the construction of some of the lengthiest separation barriers along its international borders. Six of the nine countries neighboring India are classified as [[Least Developed Countries]]. As a consequence, thousands of people from these countries, especially from [[Bangladesh]], [[Nepal]] and [[Burma]], illegally immigrate into India.
Since the mid-1990s, India has been involved in the construction of some of the lengthiest separation barriers along its international borders. Six of the nine countries neighboring India are classified as [[Least Developed Countries]]. As a consequence, thousands of people from these countries, especially from [[Bangladesh]], [[Nepal]] and [[Burma]], illegally immigrate into India.


Line 60: Line 25:


===Iran===
===Iran===
The [[Iran-Pakistan barrier]] wall is 700 kilometer long, which Iran claims is to stop the flow of illegal border crossings, stem the flow of drugs and prevent terror attacks from Pakistan. However, the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, whose lands straddle the border region strongly opposes the construction of the wall and maintains that the wall would create problems for the Baloch people by dividing their community politically and socially, with their trade and social activities being seriously impeded. Leader of the Opposition, Kachkol Ali, said the governments of the two countries had not taken the Baloch into their confidence on this matter and demanded that the construction of the wall be stopped immediately and he also appealed to the international community to help the Baloch people.<ref>http://www.unpo.org/members/7922</ref> Residents of the Sorap locality in the Mand area of western Mekran region in Balochistan province rely on edible goods from Iran for their livelihood but Iranian border security forces vacate the town . The Balochistanis, who live on both sides of the border and in the area where both countries neighbour Afghanistan, have had their communities divided by the wall.<ref>http://www.ostomaan.org/articles/news-and-views/4359</ref>
The [[Iran-Pakistan barrier]] wall is 700 kilometer long, which Iran claims is to stop the flow of illegal border crossings, stem the flow of drugs and prevent terror attacks from Pakistan. However, the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, whose lands straddle the border region strongly opposes the construction of the wall and maintains that the wall would create problems for the Baloch people by dividing their community politically and socially, with their trade and social activities being seriously impeded. Leader of the Opposition, Kachkol Ali, said the governments of the two countries had not taken the Baloch into their confidence on this matter and demanded that the construction of the wall be stopped immediately and he also appealed to the international community to help the Baloch people.<ref>http://www.unpo.org/members/7922</ref>{{Failed verification|date=March 2013}} Residents of the Sorap locality in the Mand area of western Mekran region in Balochistan province rely on edible goods from Iran for their livelihood but Iranian border security forces vacate the town . The Balochistanis, who live on both sides of the border and in the area where both countries neighbour Afghanistan, have had their communities divided by the wall.<ref>http://www.ostomaan.org/articles/news-and-views/4359</ref>{{Failed verification|date=March 2013}}


===Iraq===
===Iraq===
On 10 April 2007, the [[U.S. military]] began constructing a 3.6 metre (12&nbsp;ft) high concrete [[Baghdad Wall|wall]] of {{convert|5|km|mi}} around the predominantly [[Sunni]] district of [[Adhamiya]] in [[Baghdad]].
On 10 April 2007, the [[U.S. military]] began constructing a 3.6 metre (12&nbsp;ft) high concrete [[Baghdad Wall|wall]] of {{convert|5|km|mi}} around the predominantly [[Sunni]] district of [[Adhamiya]] in [[Baghdad]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2013}}

*[[Baghdad Wall]]
Writer [[Damon DiMarco]] described as a "separation barrier" the [[Kuwait-Iraq barrier]] constructed by the United Nations in 1991 after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. It is made of electrified fencing and concertina wire, and includes a 15 foot deep and wide trench and a high earthen berm. It runs 120 miles along the border between the two nations.<ref>Damon DiMarco, ''Heart of War: Soldiers? Voices'', Citadel Press, 2007, [http://books.google.com/books?id=W9cRi1vkKJIC&pg=PA129&dq=Kuwait%E2%80%93Iraq++%22Separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=diZLUcreAuPT0gH49oDgBA&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Kuwait%E2%80%93Iraq%20%20%22Separation%20barrier%22&f=false p. 129], ISBN 0806528141, 9780806528144</ref>


===Israel===
===Israel===
{{unreferencedsection|date=March 2013}}
[[File:Jerusalem separation wall.svg|thumb|The separation barrier around Jerusalem, as of 2009. Dark red line existing; pink to be built.]]
[[File:Jerusalem separation wall.svg|thumb|The separation barrier around Jerusalem, as of 2009. Dark red line existing; pink to be built.]]
Due to [[Israel]]'s specific situation of being at war and conflict with much of its Middle Eastern environment, separation barriers and walls have been and remain an issue of major military (and often also political) concern:
Due to [[Israel]]'s specific situation of being at war and conflict with much of its Middle Eastern environment, separation barriers and walls have been and remain an issue of major military (and often also political) concern:


* [[Jerusalem]]: During the 1950s and 1960s a fortified separation barrier also divided much of Jerusalem to separate [[Jordan]]ian and Israeli-controlled sectors of the city. It was pulled down in the immediate aftermath of the 1967 Six Day War, when the eastern part of the city came under Israeli rule. Currently, the route of the separation barrier in Jerusalem cuts off residents of the Jerusalem municipality from Jerusalem proper.<ref>"Behind the Wall- Shuafat Camp", Ir Amim Special Report. 2006. http://www.ir-amim.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=330</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2013}}
* [[Jerusalem]]: During the 1950s and 1960s a fortified separation barrier also divided much of Jerusalem to separate [[Jordan]]ian and Israeli-controlled sectors of the city. It was pulled down in the immediate aftermath of the 1967 Six Day War, when the eastern part of the city came under Israeli rule. Currently, the route of the separation barrier in Jerusalem cuts off residents of the Jerusalem municipality from Jerusalem proper.<ref>"Behind the Wall- Shuafat Camp", Ir Amim Special Report. 2006. http://www.ir-amim.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=330</ref>{{dead link|date=March 2013}}
* [[Lebanon]] and [[Syria]]: Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria have sophisticated security barriers, including electronic surveillance and warning systems. The barrier along the Lebanese border follows the lines of the 1949 Armistice and was laid down in coordination with the UN, the government anxious to make clear that it had withdrawn completely from Lebanese territory (excepting the ongoing dispute on the [[Shaba Farms]]).
* [[Lebanon]] and [[Syria]]: Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria have sophisticated security barriers, including electronic surveillance and warning systems. The barrier along the Lebanese border follows the lines of the 1949 Armistice and was laid down in coordination with the UN, the government anxious to make clear that it had withdrawn completely from Lebanese territory (excepting the ongoing dispute on the [[Shaba Farms]]).
** The barrier on the Syrian border on the [[Golan Heights]] reflects the situation in the aftermath of the [[Yom Kippur War]], when Israel retained the territory conquered in 1967 except for handing back the town of [[Kuneitra]]. The Syrian government has repeatedly demanded the return of the entire Golan, but has made no specific issue of Israel erecting a security barrier along the border as it presently stands.
** The barrier on the Syrian border on the [[Golan Heights]] reflects the situation in the aftermath of the [[Yom Kippur War]], when Israel retained the territory conquered in 1967 except for handing back the town of [[Kuneitra]]. The Syrian government has repeatedly demanded the return of the entire Golan, but has made no specific issue of Israel erecting a security barrier along the border as it presently stands.
[[File:ISR-EGY border 6521a.jpg|thumb|Israel-Egypt separation barrier circa 2012]]
[[File:ISR-EGY border 6521a.jpg|thumb|Israel-Egypt separation barrier circa 2012]]
* The [[Israel and Egypt – Gaza Strip barrier]] includes the Rafah Border Crossing (Arabic: معبر رفح, Hebrew: מעבר רפיח), an international border crossing between Egyptian and Palestinian-controlled Rafah. It was built by the Israeli and Egyptian governments after the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty and 1982 Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, and was managed by the Israel Airports Authority until it was evacuated on 11 September 2005 as part of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan. It has since become the mission of the European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah (EUBAM) to monitor the crossing.
* [[Egypt]]: Israel saw no need to fortify the [[Sinai Desert]] border with Egypt after the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty. The fence along that border was always more a marker than an effective barrier, and has become rusty and swamped by shifting sand dunes. The porous border has become the scene of extensive [[drug trafficking]] and the smuggling of women, typically from Third World and East European countries, who are subsequently forced into [[prostitution]], as well as the entry of various refugees, asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants from various African countries, notably [[Sudan]]ese fleeing the [[genocide]] in [[Darfur]]. There were also isolated cases of infiltration by armed Palestinians, and apprehension that they would increase. In December 2005 the government of Israel proposed building a £200 million security barrier along the Egyptian border, but as of late 2007 the funds have not been actually allocated.
* [[Jordan]]: The border of Israel's territory with Jordan, mostly in the [[Negev]] Desert along the [[Arava Valley|Arabah]], is considered the most peaceful of the country's borders, due to traditional good relations with Jordan's [[Hashemite]] Dynasty. In March 2004, Israel and Jordan commenced a joint project to build a desert science centre on their shared border. They have taken down a stretch of the border fence between the [[Red|Red Sea]] and the [[Dead|Dead Sea]] for the campus.
* [[Jordan]]: The border of Israel's territory with Jordan, mostly in the [[Negev]] Desert along the [[Arava Valley|Arabah]], is considered the most peaceful of the country's borders, due to traditional good relations with Jordan's [[Hashemite]] Dynasty. In March 2004, Israel and Jordan commenced a joint project to build a desert science centre on their shared border. They have taken down a stretch of the border fence between the [[Red|Red Sea]] and the [[Dead|Dead Sea]] for the campus.
** As well as the in the Negev, Israel also controls the [[West Bank]]'s border with Jordan in the [[Jordan Valley (Middle East)|Jordan Valley]]. Along this border there is a security barrier with a two-way aim, designed to stop both infiltration from Jordan into the Israeli-controlled territory and the passage of West Bank Palestinians, uncontrolled by Israeli officials, into Jordan.
** As well as the in the Negev, Israel also controls the [[West Bank]]'s border with Jordan in the [[Jordan Valley (Middle East)|Jordan Valley]]. Along this border there is a security barrier with a two-way aim, designed to stop both infiltration from Jordan into the Israeli-controlled territory and the passage of West Bank Palestinians, uncontrolled by Israeli officials, into Jordan.
Line 81: Line 48:
** The [[Israeli Gaza Strip barrier]] involves a security barrier along Israel's [[1949 Armistice lines]]. There is also the security barrier along the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt (see [[Philadelphi Route]]), erected when Israel was in direct military control of the area. Though Israeli forces were withdrawn in 2005, the Government of Israel retains a declared interest in the area, especially due to alleged large-scale smuggling of arms from Sinai into the Strip, and insists upon the Egyptians and Palestinians maintaining intact the barrier between their respective territories – such insistence backed by sometimes open threats to otherwise resume direct Israeli military control. This has been cited by Palestinians and others who assert that the Gaza Strip remains an Occupied Territory despite the Israeli [[Israel's unilateral disengagement plan|Disengagement from Gaza]] in 2005.
** The [[Israeli Gaza Strip barrier]] involves a security barrier along Israel's [[1949 Armistice lines]]. There is also the security barrier along the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt (see [[Philadelphi Route]]), erected when Israel was in direct military control of the area. Though Israeli forces were withdrawn in 2005, the Government of Israel retains a declared interest in the area, especially due to alleged large-scale smuggling of arms from Sinai into the Strip, and insists upon the Egyptians and Palestinians maintaining intact the barrier between their respective territories – such insistence backed by sometimes open threats to otherwise resume direct Israeli military control. This has been cited by Palestinians and others who assert that the Gaza Strip remains an Occupied Territory despite the Israeli [[Israel's unilateral disengagement plan|Disengagement from Gaza]] in 2005.
** The [[Israeli West Bank barrier]] is being built as a fence with wide margins and sophisticated electronic surveillance in rural areas, and an eight-meter-high wall in urban areas. Of all Israel's separation barriers, it is the most controversial – between Israelis and Palestinians, internationally, and also inside the Israeli society itself. The controversy stems mainly from the government's decision not to follow Israel's 1949 Armistice lines ([[Green Line (Israel)|Green Line]]) but rather build the barrier within the West Bank - in some stretches, deeply within. Opponents of the project (who usually call it "The Wall" rather than "Barrier" or "Fence") say that this proves its purpose is not to stop suicide bombers – which would be equally served by a fence along the Green Line – but by the intention, effectively, to annexe parts of the West Bank, especially those where [[Israeli settlement]]s have been established, as well as water sources – and to define the future borders with Palestine unilaterally and ahead of negotiations. This position was supported by the [[International Court of Justice]] at [[The Hague]], which ruled that Israel had the right to fortify its own border but that building a barrier inside an Occupied Territory constituted a violation of [[International Law]]; the government of Israel, however, disputes this interpretation and refuses to abide by this ruling. For its part, the [[Israeli Supreme Court]] held that building inside the West Bank is in itself legal, but it but ordered some changes to the route of the barrier where the judges considered the original route to cause severe damage to Palestinian daily life – especially in separating Palestinian villagers from their land. Some radical Israeli groups, such as [[Anarchists Against the Wall]], actively participate in protests against the barrier together with the villagers. As of late 2007, the barrier – originally slated to be completed by the end of 2005 – is far from complete, and further construction was stopped, officially for lack of funds.
** The [[Israeli West Bank barrier]] is being built as a fence with wide margins and sophisticated electronic surveillance in rural areas, and an eight-meter-high wall in urban areas. Of all Israel's separation barriers, it is the most controversial – between Israelis and Palestinians, internationally, and also inside the Israeli society itself. The controversy stems mainly from the government's decision not to follow Israel's 1949 Armistice lines ([[Green Line (Israel)|Green Line]]) but rather build the barrier within the West Bank - in some stretches, deeply within. Opponents of the project (who usually call it "The Wall" rather than "Barrier" or "Fence") say that this proves its purpose is not to stop suicide bombers – which would be equally served by a fence along the Green Line – but by the intention, effectively, to annexe parts of the West Bank, especially those where [[Israeli settlement]]s have been established, as well as water sources – and to define the future borders with Palestine unilaterally and ahead of negotiations. This position was supported by the [[International Court of Justice]] at [[The Hague]], which ruled that Israel had the right to fortify its own border but that building a barrier inside an Occupied Territory constituted a violation of [[International Law]]; the government of Israel, however, disputes this interpretation and refuses to abide by this ruling. For its part, the [[Israeli Supreme Court]] held that building inside the West Bank is in itself legal, but it but ordered some changes to the route of the barrier where the judges considered the original route to cause severe damage to Palestinian daily life – especially in separating Palestinian villagers from their land. Some radical Israeli groups, such as [[Anarchists Against the Wall]], actively participate in protests against the barrier together with the villagers. As of late 2007, the barrier – originally slated to be completed by the end of 2005 – is far from complete, and further construction was stopped, officially for lack of funds.

===Northern Ireland===
[[File:Belfast peace line Cupar Way.jpg|thumb|A "peace line" in Belfast]]
In [[Belfast]], [[Derry]] and other settlements in [[Northern Ireland]], barriers called "[[peace lines]]" have been built to separate the two main communities. Their purpose is to minimize inter-communal violence between [[Irish nationalism|Irish nationalists]]/[[Irish republicanism|republicans]] (who mainly self-identify as [[Irish people|Irish]] and/or Catholic) and [[Unionism in Ireland|unionists]]/[[Ulster loyalism|loyalists]] (who mainly self-identify as [[British people|British]] and/or Protestant). They were first built following the [[1969 Northern Ireland riots|1969 riots]] and beginning of the "[[The Troubles|Troubles]]". They have continued to be built and expanded since the [[Belfast Agreement]] of 1998. In 2008 a public discussion began about how and when the barriers could be removed.<ref>
{{cite web
|author=Tony Macaulay
|date=July 2008
|url=http://www.cain.ulst.ac.uk/issues/segregat/docs/macaulay200708.pdf
|title=A Process for Removing Interface Barriers: A discussion paper proposing a five phase process for the removal of ‘peace walls’ in Northern Ireland
|publisher=Macaulay Associates
|accessdate=2010-02-06
}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}
On 1 September 2011 Belfast City Council agreed to develop a strategy regarding the removal of peace walls.<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0903/1224303426463.html Irish Times]</ref>{{Request quotation|date=February 2013}}
At the end of 2011 several local community initiatives resulted in several interface structures being opened for a trial period.<ref>
[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/2m-to-tear-down-northern-ireland-peace-walls-16105088.html]</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}
In January 2012, the International Fund for Ireland launched a Peace Walls funding programme to support local communities who want to work towards beginning to remove the peace walls.
<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/01/17/northern-ireland-2m-plan-peace-walls_n_1210274.html] Quote: "There are almost 90 barriers separating Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods across the region..."</ref>


===Pakistan===
===Pakistan===
Line 118: Line 68:
| quote = Now the other thing that I've said: if he thinks everyone is crossing from here, I've been saying let us fence the border and let us also mine the border. We are experts at mining, they should mine the border on their side. We will fence it on our side. If that is all right I am for it, so that they are not allowed to go across at all. And then let us see what is happening in Afghanistan. Why don't they agree to this, I've said this openly many times before, they don't do it, for whatever are their reasons. I know how effective the fence, the Indian fence which is about 1,800 kilometres, and they are fencing the Kashmir mountains also, it is so difficult. Why are they doing that, are they mad, they are spending billions of rupees. Because it is effective. Let's fence this border so that this blame game is killed once for ever.
| quote = Now the other thing that I've said: if he thinks everyone is crossing from here, I've been saying let us fence the border and let us also mine the border. We are experts at mining, they should mine the border on their side. We will fence it on our side. If that is all right I am for it, so that they are not allowed to go across at all. And then let us see what is happening in Afghanistan. Why don't they agree to this, I've said this openly many times before, they don't do it, for whatever are their reasons. I know how effective the fence, the Indian fence which is about 1,800 kilometres, and they are fencing the Kashmir mountains also, it is so difficult. Why are they doing that, are they mad, they are spending billions of rupees. Because it is effective. Let's fence this border so that this blame game is killed once for ever.
}}
}}
</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}

===Russia===
There is an electronic security barrier (ex-"Iron Curtain") along the old Soviet border. Also, a [[:ru:С-175 "Гардина"|security barrier]] is on the border of Russia with Norway, Finland, China, Mongolia and North Korea. There is no barrier on Russian territory along the border with Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, or Ukraine, but there are some barriers on Estonian, Latvian and Ukrainian territory along the Russian border.
It was reported in 2005 that the [[Russia]]n government was considering the construction of a security barrier along its border with [[Chechnya]] as part of its efforts to combat terrorism.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=4072
| title = Israel may export fence to Russia
| accessdate = 2007-03-05
| last = Katz
| first = Yaacov
| authorlink =
| date = November 8, 2005
| publisher = jpost.com
| quote = The Russian government is mulling the construction of a security barrier along the border with Chechnya similar to Israel's West Bank security fence as part of its efforts to combat Muslim terror}}
</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}
</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}


===Saudi Arabia===
===Saudi Arabia===
[[Saudi Arabia]] has begun construction of a separation barrier or fence between its territory and [[Yemen]] to prevent the unauthorized movement of people and goods into and out of the Kingdom.
[[Saudi Arabia]] has begun construction of a [[Saudi-Yemen barrier]] between its territory and [[Yemen]] to prevent the unauthorized movement of people and goods into and out of the Kingdom. Anthony H. Cordesman has called it a "separation barrier."<ref>Anthony H. Cordesman, ''Saudi Arabia: National Security in a Troubled Region'',
[http://books.google.com/books?id=1OpmRrNzFHgC&pg=PA276&lpg=PA276&dq=Saudi%E2%80%93Yemen+separation+barrier&source=bl&ots=0ELufpiofh&sig=q9Cb90ALwiAkHj0giQuzPw-8irc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=keZHUZTmOqnb4AOrnIHICQ&ved=0CI8BEOgBMA0#v=onepage&q=Saudi%E2%80%93Yemen%20separation%20barrier&f=false p. 276].</ref>
*[[Saudi-Yemen barrier]]


In 2006 Saudi Arabia proposed plans for the construction of a security fence along the entire length of its desert border of {{convert|900|km|mi}} with Iraq in a multi-million dollar project to secure the Kingdom's borders in order to improve internal security, control illegal immigration and bolster its defences against external threats.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-2126835,00.html/ Saudis plan to fence off border with chaos, The Times, April 10, 2006].</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}
In 2006 Saudi Arabia proposed plans for the construction of a security fence along the entire length of its desert border of {{convert|900|km|mi}} with Iraq in a multi-million dollar project to secure the Kingdom's borders in order to improve internal security, control illegal immigration and bolster its defences against external threats.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-2126835,00.html/ Saudis plan to fence off border with chaos, The Times, April 10, 2006].</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2013}}
Line 143: Line 79:


As of July 2009 it was reported that Saudis will pay $3.5 billion for security fence.<ref>[http://infoprod.co.il/main/siteNew/index.php?langId=1&mod=article&action=article&Admin=qwas&stId=275 Saudis will pay $3.5 billion for security fence]</ref>{{dead link|date=February 2013}}
As of July 2009 it was reported that Saudis will pay $3.5 billion for security fence.<ref>[http://infoprod.co.il/main/siteNew/index.php?langId=1&mod=article&action=article&Admin=qwas&stId=275 Saudis will pay $3.5 billion for security fence]</ref>{{dead link|date=February 2013}}

===South Africa===
A treaty signed on December 9, 2002 by the presidents of three countries - South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe allowed for the fence to be torn down in order to open the ancient [[elephant]] migration route between South Africa and Mozambique which was disrupted by the fence. The [[Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park]] of {{convert|35000|km2|sqmi}} will connect the parks of three countries: South Africa's [[Kruger National Park]], Mozambique's [[Limpopo National Park]], and Zimbabwe's [[Gonarezhou National Park]].<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/02/0211_030211_limpopo.html/ Cross-Border Park Is Africa's Largest Wildlife Refuge, National Geographic Society, February 11, 2003].</ref>{{dead link|date=February 2013}}

In 2005 it was reported that only a relatively small portion of the high-security border fence separating South Africa's Kruger National Park with Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou Park has been removed. Security concerns, especially about illegal immigrants and the smuggling of weapons and four-wheel-drive vehicles, have been hindering the removal of more sections of the border fence between the Kruger and Limpopo parks.<ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=31&art_id=vn20050327135740672C194658/ Kruger elephants head for Mozambique, Independent Online, March 27, 2005].</ref>{{dead link|date=February 2013}}

===Spain===
The [[European Union]] and [[Spain]] have constructed barriers between the Spanish exclaves of [[Ceuta]] and [[Melilla]] and [[Morocco]] to prevent illegal immigration and smuggling.
*[[Ceuta border fence]]
*[[Melilla border fence]]

Even though both the United Kingdom and Spain are part of the European Union, the border fence separating [[Gibraltar]] and [[Spain]] is still relevant since Gibraltar is not part of the [[Schengen Area]] and is outside of the customs union and VAT area. The border crossing is open twenty-four hours a day to facilitate customs collection by Spain.

===Thailand===
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2010}}
[[Thailand]] plans to build a concrete fence along parts of its border with Malaysia to keep Muslim militants and dual citizens from crossing Thailand's southern border with [[Malaysia]].
*[[Thai-Malay barrier]]

===United Arab Emirates===
The UAE is building a security barrier along its border with [[Oman]].
* [[United Arab Emirates-Oman barrier]]

===United Nations===
The United Nations has constructed a demilitarized zone to stop [[Iraq]] from re-invading [[Kuwait]]; Kuwait plans to install a new separation barrier as well.
*[[Kuwait/Iraq Separation barrier]]


===United States===
===United States===
[[Image:Borderbeachtj.jpg|right|thumb|Beach in [[Tijuana, Mexico|Tijuana]] at the American-Mexican border, before security upgrades were installed.]]
[[Image:Borderbeachtj.jpg|right|thumb|Beach in [[Tijuana, Mexico|Tijuana]] at the American-Mexican border, before security upgrades were installed.]]
The [[United States]] has constructed a separation barrier along {{convert|130|km|mi}} of its [[U.S.-Mexico border|border]] with [[Mexico]] of {{convert|3169|km|mi}} to prevent unauthorized immigration into the United States and to deter smuggling of contraband, particularly illegal drugs. There has been legislation in the U.S. Congress on lengthening the barrier, but progress has been slow, both from lobbying and lack of funding.
The [[United States]] has constructed a [[United States–Mexico barrier|barrier]] along {{convert|130|km|mi}} of its [[U.S.-Mexico border|border]] with [[Mexico]] of {{convert|3169|km|mi}} to prevent unauthorized immigration into the United States and to deter smuggling of contraband. The [[Georgetown University Law Center |Georgetown Journal of Law]] has referred to it as a "separation barrier" and suggests that while it is "revolting to many as an ugly face of separation" it could be used as an opportunity if part of a larger program of "foreign aid, infrastructure investment and regional development."<ref>The Georgetown Journal of Law & Public Policy, Volume 5, [[Georgetown University Law Center]], 2007, [http://books.google.com/books?id=zAxMAQAAIAAJ&q=%22United+States%22+Mexico+%22Separation+barrier%22&dq=%22United+States%22+Mexico+%22Separation+barrier%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=pShLUeSuDsbC4APU2oGYAg&ved=0CJ0BEOgBMBQ p. 347].</ref>
*[[United States–Mexico barrier]]

===Uzbekistan===
In 1999 [[Uzbekistan]] began construction of a barbed wire fence to secure their border with [[Kyrgyzstan]].
*[[Uzbek-Kyrgyzstan barrier]]
In 2001 Uzbekistan fortified the border fence with [[Afghanistan]].
*[[Uzbek-Afghanistan barrier]]


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 03:09, 22 March 2013

Israeli separation barrier at Abu Dis, near eastern Jerusalem, separates two neighborhoods that are predominantly Arab. June 2004.

The term separation barrier refers to a wall or fence constructed to limit the movement of people across a certain line or border, or to separate two populations. These structures vary in placement with regard to international borders and topography.

The term originated to describe the various fences, walls and other barriers Israel created to separate Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza from Israel, to separate various Palestinian towns and villages within the occupied territories from each other, as well as to separate Egypt from Israel.[1][2][3]

The term "separation barrier" also has been applied to other such walls or fences.

Current separation barriers

Cyprus

Since the 1974 Turkey has constructed and maintains a separation barrier of 300 kilometres (190 mi) along the 1974 Green Line (or ceasefire line) dividing the Republic of Cyprus into two parts along the United Nations Buffer Zone.[4]

India

Since the mid-1990s, India has been involved in the construction of some of the lengthiest separation barriers along its international borders. Six of the nine countries neighboring India are classified as Least Developed Countries. As a consequence, thousands of people from these countries, especially from Bangladesh, Nepal and Burma, illegally immigrate into India.

The Indo-Bangladeshi barrier and Indo-Burma barrier are being built to check smuggling, illegal immigration stealing Indian jobs and possible infiltration by Islamist terrorists. The refugee crisis could also ensue should a climate catastrophe ravage South Asia.

In addition, India completed the construction of the Indian Kashmir barrier which runs along the Line of Control in Kashmir. The purpose of this barrier is to prevent infiltration by armed militants. Many Kashmiris both in Jammu and Kashmir of India and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in Pakistan are against the separation barrier since Kashmir is a disputed territory.

Iran

The Iran-Pakistan barrier wall is 700 kilometer long, which Iran claims is to stop the flow of illegal border crossings, stem the flow of drugs and prevent terror attacks from Pakistan. However, the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, whose lands straddle the border region strongly opposes the construction of the wall and maintains that the wall would create problems for the Baloch people by dividing their community politically and socially, with their trade and social activities being seriously impeded. Leader of the Opposition, Kachkol Ali, said the governments of the two countries had not taken the Baloch into their confidence on this matter and demanded that the construction of the wall be stopped immediately and he also appealed to the international community to help the Baloch people.[5][failed verification] Residents of the Sorap locality in the Mand area of western Mekran region in Balochistan province rely on edible goods from Iran for their livelihood but Iranian border security forces vacate the town . The Balochistanis, who live on both sides of the border and in the area where both countries neighbour Afghanistan, have had their communities divided by the wall.[6][failed verification]

Iraq

On 10 April 2007, the U.S. military began constructing a 3.6 metre (12 ft) high concrete wall of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) around the predominantly Sunni district of Adhamiya in Baghdad.[citation needed]

Writer Damon DiMarco described as a "separation barrier" the Kuwait-Iraq barrier constructed by the United Nations in 1991 after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. It is made of electrified fencing and concertina wire, and includes a 15 foot deep and wide trench and a high earthen berm. It runs 120 miles along the border between the two nations.[7]

Israel

The separation barrier around Jerusalem, as of 2009. Dark red line existing; pink to be built.

Due to Israel's specific situation of being at war and conflict with much of its Middle Eastern environment, separation barriers and walls have been and remain an issue of major military (and often also political) concern:

  • Jerusalem: During the 1950s and 1960s a fortified separation barrier also divided much of Jerusalem to separate Jordanian and Israeli-controlled sectors of the city. It was pulled down in the immediate aftermath of the 1967 Six Day War, when the eastern part of the city came under Israeli rule. Currently, the route of the separation barrier in Jerusalem cuts off residents of the Jerusalem municipality from Jerusalem proper.[8][dead link]
  • Lebanon and Syria: Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria have sophisticated security barriers, including electronic surveillance and warning systems. The barrier along the Lebanese border follows the lines of the 1949 Armistice and was laid down in coordination with the UN, the government anxious to make clear that it had withdrawn completely from Lebanese territory (excepting the ongoing dispute on the Shaba Farms).
    • The barrier on the Syrian border on the Golan Heights reflects the situation in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, when Israel retained the territory conquered in 1967 except for handing back the town of Kuneitra. The Syrian government has repeatedly demanded the return of the entire Golan, but has made no specific issue of Israel erecting a security barrier along the border as it presently stands.
Israel-Egypt separation barrier circa 2012
  • The Israel and Egypt – Gaza Strip barrier includes the Rafah Border Crossing (Arabic: معبر رفح, Hebrew: מעבר רפיח), an international border crossing between Egyptian and Palestinian-controlled Rafah. It was built by the Israeli and Egyptian governments after the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty and 1982 Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, and was managed by the Israel Airports Authority until it was evacuated on 11 September 2005 as part of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan. It has since become the mission of the European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah (EUBAM) to monitor the crossing.
  • Jordan: The border of Israel's territory with Jordan, mostly in the Negev Desert along the Arabah, is considered the most peaceful of the country's borders, due to traditional good relations with Jordan's Hashemite Dynasty. In March 2004, Israel and Jordan commenced a joint project to build a desert science centre on their shared border. They have taken down a stretch of the border fence between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea for the campus.
    • As well as the in the Negev, Israel also controls the West Bank's border with Jordan in the Jordan Valley. Along this border there is a security barrier with a two-way aim, designed to stop both infiltration from Jordan into the Israeli-controlled territory and the passage of West Bank Palestinians, uncontrolled by Israeli officials, into Jordan.
Map of existing or planned separation barrier between West Bank and Israel, as of 2005
  • Occupied Territories: Israel's most critical and volatile relations are with its direct neighbors, the Palestinians, which are reflected in maintaining separation barriers between Israel proper and the Occupied Territories, with the declared aim of and subsequent success in preventing infiltration by suicide bombers.
    • The Israeli Gaza Strip barrier involves a security barrier along Israel's 1949 Armistice lines. There is also the security barrier along the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt (see Philadelphi Route), erected when Israel was in direct military control of the area. Though Israeli forces were withdrawn in 2005, the Government of Israel retains a declared interest in the area, especially due to alleged large-scale smuggling of arms from Sinai into the Strip, and insists upon the Egyptians and Palestinians maintaining intact the barrier between their respective territories – such insistence backed by sometimes open threats to otherwise resume direct Israeli military control. This has been cited by Palestinians and others who assert that the Gaza Strip remains an Occupied Territory despite the Israeli Disengagement from Gaza in 2005.
    • The Israeli West Bank barrier is being built as a fence with wide margins and sophisticated electronic surveillance in rural areas, and an eight-meter-high wall in urban areas. Of all Israel's separation barriers, it is the most controversial – between Israelis and Palestinians, internationally, and also inside the Israeli society itself. The controversy stems mainly from the government's decision not to follow Israel's 1949 Armistice lines (Green Line) but rather build the barrier within the West Bank - in some stretches, deeply within. Opponents of the project (who usually call it "The Wall" rather than "Barrier" or "Fence") say that this proves its purpose is not to stop suicide bombers – which would be equally served by a fence along the Green Line – but by the intention, effectively, to annexe parts of the West Bank, especially those where Israeli settlements have been established, as well as water sources – and to define the future borders with Palestine unilaterally and ahead of negotiations. This position was supported by the International Court of Justice at The Hague, which ruled that Israel had the right to fortify its own border but that building a barrier inside an Occupied Territory constituted a violation of International Law; the government of Israel, however, disputes this interpretation and refuses to abide by this ruling. For its part, the Israeli Supreme Court held that building inside the West Bank is in itself legal, but it but ordered some changes to the route of the barrier where the judges considered the original route to cause severe damage to Palestinian daily life – especially in separating Palestinian villagers from their land. Some radical Israeli groups, such as Anarchists Against the Wall, actively participate in protests against the barrier together with the villagers. As of late 2007, the barrier – originally slated to be completed by the end of 2005 – is far from complete, and further construction was stopped, officially for lack of funds.

Pakistan

In September 2005, Pakistan stated it has plans to build a 1,500-mile (2,400 km) fence along its border with Afghanistan to prevent Islamic insurgents and drug smugglers slipping between the two countries. Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has subsequently offered to mine the border as well.[9][failed verification][10][failed verification]

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has begun construction of a Saudi-Yemen barrier between its territory and Yemen to prevent the unauthorized movement of people and goods into and out of the Kingdom. Anthony H. Cordesman has called it a "separation barrier."[11]

In 2006 Saudi Arabia proposed plans for the construction of a security fence along the entire length of its desert border of 900 kilometres (560 mi) with Iraq in a multi-million dollar project to secure the Kingdom's borders in order to improve internal security, control illegal immigration and bolster its defences against external threats.[12][failed verification]

Security fence along the South Africa-Mozambique border.

As of July 2009 it was reported that Saudis will pay $3.5 billion for security fence.[13][dead link]

United States

Beach in Tijuana at the American-Mexican border, before security upgrades were installed.

The United States has constructed a barrier along 130 kilometres (81 mi) of its border with Mexico of 3,169 kilometres (1,969 mi) to prevent unauthorized immigration into the United States and to deter smuggling of contraband. The Georgetown Journal of Law has referred to it as a "separation barrier" and suggests that while it is "revolting to many as an ugly face of separation" it could be used as an opportunity if part of a larger program of "foreign aid, infrastructure investment and regional development."[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ Steven Poole, Unspeak: How Words Become Weapons, How Weapons Become a Message, and How That Message Becomes Reality, Grove Press, 2007, p. 81, ISBN 0802143059, 9780802143051
  2. ^ Fiona de Londras, Detention in the 'War on Terror': Can Human Rights Fight Back?, Cambridge University Press, 2011, p. 177-178, ISBN 1139500031, 9781139500036
  3. ^ Robert Zelnick, Israel's Unilateralism: Beyond Gaza, Hoover Press, 2006, p 30-31, ISBN 0817947736, 9780817947736
  4. ^ Rongxing Guo, Territorial Disputes and Resource Management: A Global Handbook, Nova Publishers, 2006, p 91, ISBN 1600214452, 9781600214455
  5. ^ http://www.unpo.org/members/7922
  6. ^ http://www.ostomaan.org/articles/news-and-views/4359
  7. ^ Damon DiMarco, Heart of War: Soldiers? Voices, Citadel Press, 2007, p. 129, ISBN 0806528141, 9780806528144
  8. ^ "Behind the Wall- Shuafat Camp", Ir Amim Special Report. 2006. http://www.ir-amim.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=330
  9. ^ "Pakistan doing all it can in terror war - Musharraf". Turkish weekly. February 28, 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-03. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said on Monday his country was doing all it could in the U.S.-led war against terrorism and offered to fence and mine its border with Afghanistan to stem Taliban infiltration. "I have been telling Karzai and the United States, 'Let us fence the border and let us mine it.' Today I say it again. Let us mine their entire border. Let us fence it. It's not difficult", Musharraf said, referring to Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
  10. ^ Plett, Barbara (March 1, 2006). "Musharraf interview: Full transcript". BBC News. Retrieved 2006-12-03. Now the other thing that I've said: if he thinks everyone is crossing from here, I've been saying let us fence the border and let us also mine the border. We are experts at mining, they should mine the border on their side. We will fence it on our side. If that is all right I am for it, so that they are not allowed to go across at all. And then let us see what is happening in Afghanistan. Why don't they agree to this, I've said this openly many times before, they don't do it, for whatever are their reasons. I know how effective the fence, the Indian fence which is about 1,800 kilometres, and they are fencing the Kashmir mountains also, it is so difficult. Why are they doing that, are they mad, they are spending billions of rupees. Because it is effective. Let's fence this border so that this blame game is killed once for ever.
  11. ^ Anthony H. Cordesman, Saudi Arabia: National Security in a Troubled Region, p. 276.
  12. ^ Saudis plan to fence off border with chaos, The Times, April 10, 2006.
  13. ^ Saudis will pay $3.5 billion for security fence
  14. ^ The Georgetown Journal of Law & Public Policy, Volume 5, Georgetown University Law Center, 2007, p. 347.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Separation_barrier&oldid=546169654"