Human Rights Groups Voice Concerns Over EU Proposal to Return Migrants to Third Countries

Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the European Commission's proposal to return migrants illegally present in the EU to third countries. Eighteen Euro-Mediterranean organizations, including CEAR and Irídia, criticize the plan as another attempt to avoid rights-based migration and asylum policies. The proposal aims to revise the Return Directive of 2008 to expedite the expulsion of migrants who arrive irregularly and do not qualify for refugee or asylum status. Critics argue that the concept of 'safe third country' contradicts the Refugee Convention's requirement for individual assessment of asylum claims. Organizations like Accem and Servicio Jesuita Migrante oppose externalizing border management and express apprehension about increased migrant detention. CCOO union deems the proposal 'aberrant,' fearing detention centers in third countries. The EU defends the plan as an innovative solution to accelerate returns, while some countries, like Spain, have doubts about its effectiveness and legality.