Surveillance and drones at Greek Borderzones: Challenging human rights and democracy

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the issues created by the planned intensification of surveillance, including the use of drones, at Greek borderzones. I argue that the forthcoming surveillance measures will increase uncertainty in these areas as regards the protection of human rights, which are already under threat due to the existing high levels of surveillance. This includes both the human rights of migrants and refugees as well as the right to privacy of the populations already resident in these areas. The curtailment of these rights constitutes a threat to individuals’ liberties and democratic values. This further problematizes the situation in Greece, where the popularity of far-right has risen, while anti-immigrant rhetoric has been diffused in the practices and policies of border surveillance.