The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers (CMW) will address the increasing weaponization of migration laws in Europe.
A joint letter submitted by ENAR and PICUM highlights concerns that these laws, enacted under the guise of public security, are leading to racialized harm and systemic exclusion. The letter emphasizes that human rights must apply to all, regardless of migration status.
The submission points out how recent EU legislation endangers fundamental rights, legitimizes racial profiling, and expands immigration detention, including for children. The proposed EU return regulation is of particular concern, as it seeks to make deportation the default and introduces dangerous derogations from core protections.
The UN committees are urged to finalize a strong Joint General Recommendation/Comment on xenophobia and migration. The letter demands accountability from states and protections that reflect international human rights standards. This action underscores the importance of addressing racial justice and human rights issues within European migration governance.
The global community should watch for the UN's recommendations and actions following this review, as they could significantly impact the treatment of migrants and racialized communities across Europe. The outcome will influence the future of migration policies and human rights protections in the region.