In a landmark decision, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) concluded that Greece’s actions towards migrants, especially in its Evros region, constituted systematic pushbacks, violating human rights laws. This ruling marks the first such judgment regarding Greece, where officials have been repeatedly accused of illegally returning migrants to Turkey without due process. Such actions peaked during the migration crisis in 2015-2016 when Greece became a key entry point for those fleeing conflict zones like Syria and Afghanistan.
Despite ongoing denials from the Greek government, organizations including the United Nations and Amnesty International have substantiated claims of systematic pushbacks over the last decade. The ECtHR ruled on two cases concerning refugees pushed back to Turkey, deciding one was inadmissible due to insufficient evidence but proceeding with the other involving a Turkish woman. It highlighted a troubling, consistent practice by Greek authorities at both land and sea borders.
Greek officials’ eagerness to enforce border security must be balanced with the obligation to honor human rights, as stated by migration expert Vít Novotný. He noted that while member states are tasked with maintaining EU borders, they are also compelled to uphold core values of human dignity and the principle of non-refoulement, which protects individuals from being returned to perilous circumstances.
Ultimately, the ECtHR mandated Greece to compensate the applicant €20,000, acknowledging that inherent pushback practices occurred systematically during the alleged timeframe. Notably, an inadmissible case concerning an Afghan minor reiterated the broader implications of Greece’s border policies.
As the fabric of Europe wrestles with migration and humanitarian action, this ruling signifies a vital moment in defending human rights at borders. The ECtHR’s light on Greece’s actions might inspire stronger adherence to international human rights norms across Europe, demanding humane treatment amidst a complex political landscape.
The ECtHR ruled that Greece engaged in systematic pushbacks of migrants, violating human rights laws. With evidence supporting these practices over the past decade, the court mandated compensation in one case while acknowledging a broader pattern of abuse. This ruling underscores the need for balance between border security and human dignity in the context of European migration policies.
The European Court of Human Rights’ ruling against Greece marks a significant acknowledgment of systematic pushback practices harming migrants’ rights. It highlights the importance of adhering to human rights while managing border control, urging Greece to compensate victims and reassess its policies. This ruling serves as a reminder of Europe’s responsibility to uphold dignity and safety in migration.
This article discusses the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling against Greece for engaging in systematic pushbacks of migrants. The background details how Greece has been accused of these actions since the migration crisis peaked in 2015-2016, striving to secure its borders while potentially breaching fundamental human rights protections.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
