Brussels, The European Commission is set to unveil new proposals today regarding the EU Return Directive, sparking concern among human rights organizations. Caritas Europa, a leading network advocating for social justice and migration rights, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes, warning of serious humanitarian consequences.
In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Maria Nyman, Caritas Europa condemned what it sees as an ongoing effort by the EU to outsource its asylum responsibilities to non-European countries. “We are deeply concerned by the EU’s increasing attempts to shift its asylum responsibilities to countries outside Europe,” Nyman said.
“At a time when the Refugee Convention and access to protection are under growing threat, the EU should be reinforcing its asylum system, not outsourcing it.”
Concerns Over “Safe Third Country” Expansion
One of the key concerns raised by Caritas Europa is the proposed broadening of the “safe third country” definition, which could result in asylum seekers being sent to nations with which they have no ties and where they may be at risk of human rights violations. “Expanding the definition of a ‘safe third country’ risks sending people to places where they have no connections and could face serious human rights violations,” Nyman warned. “Instead of shifting responsibility elsewhere, we need strong European leadership to ensure that people fleeing war and persecution can access protection in the EU.”
Risks of Externalizing Migration Management
Another major issue is the proposed establishment of “return hubs” outside the EU’s borders, an initiative that Caritas Europa sees as an effort to transfer responsibility to so-called “partner countries.” The organization argues that such policies risk creating legal limbo for migrants, exposing them to indefinite detention and increasing the likelihood of refoulement—the forced return of individuals to places where they may face persecution or harm.
Call for Rights-Based Return Policies
Caritas Europa also expressed grave concerns over broader reforms to EU return policies, emphasizing that any return mechanisms must uphold human dignity and fundamental rights. “No one should be sent back to a place where they face the risk of persecution, torture, or serious harm,” Nyman stated. “We will continue to advocate to strengthen legal safeguards, protect rights, and prevent harmful procedures.”
Lack of Consultation and Impact Assessments
Beyond the specific policy changes, Caritas Europa criticized the EU for implementing these reforms without sufficient consultation or thorough impact assessments. The organization argues that a transparent, rights-based approach is essential to ensuring fair and humane migration policies.
As the European Commission’s proposals are unveiled, Caritas Europa and other humanitarian organizations are expected to push for stronger legal protections and safeguards in the EU’s migration and asylum policies. The debate over Europe’s responsibility toward migrants and asylum seekers is likely to intensify, with growing calls for an approach that prioritizes human rights over political expediency.
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First published in this link of The European Times.
