Greece faces increasing international pressure to enhance legal protections at its borders, particularly in light of persistent allegations of illegal deportations of migrants, often termed “pushbacks.” Michael O’Flaherty, the Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe (CoE), urged the Greek government to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards such practices following his February visit. Reports indicate that these summary returns are occurring at both land and maritime borders, raising significant human rights concerns. The CoE emphasized that without proper identification procedures, it is impossible to determine if individuals are at risk of being sent back to territories where they might face persecution or abuse.
Despite these claims, Greece has consistently denied the allegations of pushbacks, asserting that its border control strategies are in alignment with international law. In a written response to O’Flaherty, the Greek Police maintained that their operations focus solely on preventing illegal crossings while migrants remain in Turkish territory, thereby suggesting compliance with legal frameworks. The discussion of pushbacks has reached critical levels, particularly following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in January, which held that Greece had violated European human rights conventions by expelling migrants without due process.
In response to these ongoing challenges, the Greek government has advanced its migration policies. Migration Minister Makis Voridis announced an extension of the detention period for rejected asylum seekers from 18 to 24 months. This move indicates a shift toward a more stringent approach to managing migration, aimed at encouraging voluntary departures among those who do not fulfill asylum criteria. Voridis outlined that those whose applications are rejected will find themselves in a significantly less favorable institutional environment as the government seeks to address the complexities of migration and compliance with asylum regulations.
Amidst the heightened scrutiny, reports from the Greek coast guard reveal recent humanitarian efforts, including the rescue of 158 migrants from dinghies south of Crete. This operation involved collaboration with nearby commercial vessels and the EU’s border protection agency, Frontex. These actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of individuals at risk during perilous maritime journeys. However, Frontex has concurrently initiated investigations into multiple allegations of human rights violations involving Greece’s handling of illegal immigration, indicating a growing focus on accountability.
Currently, Frontex is reviewing 12 serious incidents related to Greece, most of which reportedly occurred in 2024. The agency has underlined the importance of its complaint mechanisms, which have been reinforced to better address allegations of misconduct. Spokesperson Chris Borowski confirmed that detailed assessments are ongoing, with an emphasis on ensuring that all incidents are scrutinized thoroughly. This proactive approach aims to uphold the fundamental rights of migrants while addressing systemic issues within migration management.
In summary, the situation in Greece reflects a complex interplay of national policy, international law, and human rights considerations. With the CoE calling for immediate reforms and the Greek government tightening its migration policies, the future of migrant treatment in Greece is under intense scrutiny. As Frontex steps up its investigations, the need for transparent and humane migration practices becomes ever more critical in addressing both humanitarian needs and lawful adherence to international standards.
