The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has made a landmark ruling against Greece regarding its practices of illegal migrant pushbacks, labeling them as “systematic”. This marks a significant step in holding Greece accountable for a policy it has persistently denied while simultaneously shining a light on broader issues of migration management across Europe. The court’s decision could ultimately transform how European countries approach border practices in light of human rights obligations.
In its January 2025 judgement, the ECHR found substantial evidence suggesting that Greece expelled migrants recklessly, without proper assessments, and conducted secret operations that violated the European Convention on Human Rights. The ruling involved two critical cases from a larger set of complaints lodged between January and December 2021, marking an unprecedented judicial response to Greece’s treatment of asylum seekers.
One notable case focused on a Turkish national who was expelled without being given a chance to apply for asylum, as well as experiencing unlawful detention. Through her video evidence revealing her location in Greece, the court ordered Greece to compensate her €20,000 for the violations committed. Meanwhile, another case involving an Afghan minor was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, although it highlights ongoing human rights concerns involving migrant demographics.
Various pending cases involve applicants from countries like Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, alleging violations of core human rights principles such as the right to life and prohibition of torture. Greek representatives at ECHR hearings have dismissed these claims and maintained that their border policies are consistent with international law, despite conflicting evidence presented by human rights organizations.
Numerous human rights groups have reported that the pushbacks are part of a structured effort to deter migration, detailing distressing tactics used by Greek authorities. These practices allegedly involve forcing migrants back across borders, often with little regard for their safety or legal rights, highlighting systemic issues in accountability for human rights violations dragging on in the country.
Eirini Vareltzidou, an immigration law attorney, described the difficulties in documenting human rights abuses, revealing that victims often remain undocumented and invisible to official channels of justice. She emphasized how informal and undocumented practices obstruct meaningful oversight and accountability, suggesting that the international community may need to intervene more critically due to the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators in Greece.
Zhegir Tayib, a cultural mediator, also shared insights into the traumatic experiences of migrants who survived pushbacks, indicating that such violent encounters have lasting impacts on their lives and communities. The ECHR’s ruling arrives at a painful intersection where increasing pressure for tougher immigration policies contradicts the protection of individual rights—raising essential questions about the ethical consequences of border security measures.
The decision from the ECHR, coming amidst rising rhetoric for stricter migration laws among EU nations, may serve as a critical turning point. This precedent compels European nations to reassess their immigration policies, prompting a necessary balance between ensuring national security and respecting humanitarian principles in managing migration movements. It suggests that public narratives around security can no longer overshadow the pressing need for adherence to human rights protections in Europe.
The European Court of Human Rights has condemned Greece for systematically deporting migrants illegally, marking a significant ruling that holds Greece accountable for its denial of pushbacks. The court found evidence of violations against asylum seekers, prompting a re-evaluation of border practices across Europe. This decision highlights the tension between national security and humanitarian obligations in the context of migration management.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against Greece for its systematic illegal migrant pushbacks, challenging the country’s longstanding denial and highlighting concerning migration practices across Europe. The ruling underscores the necessity for member states to reconcile border enforcement with fundamental human rights. As the landscape of European migration policy evolves, this pivotal judgment will likely compel countries to adopt more humane, rights-respecting approaches to border management.
Original Source: www.balcanicaucaso.org
