GENEVA - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Saturday said he deeply regretted the adoption of a new European Union return regulation allowing speedy deportations of migrants and asylum-seekers from the 27-member bloc.
He called on the EU and its Member States to exercise due diligence and ensure that the implementation of this regulation is fully consistent with international human rights and refugee law.
The EU Regulation on Returns, which was voted on by the European Parliament earlier this week, on 17 June, expands the use of pre-removal detention and enables EU members to create so-called "return hubs" in third countries.
"EU States cannot simply outsource their human rights obligations to third States in this context. Detention and return of vulnerable people, including children, to other countries is a particularly sensitive exercise of the State's power, and carries a high risk of human rights violations. There must be front-and-centre emphasis on human rights protection and dignity throughout - in fact and in law," said Türk.
"International human rights law and refugee law are very clear: no one should be returned to a place where they would be at risk of serious human rights violations or other irreparable harm. This is the fundamental principle of non-refoulement. It must be fully respected by all countries and all territories under all circumstances."
The High Commissioner also called for robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure full respect for people's human rights in return procedures, including their right to private and family life, to family unity, as well as to protect the best interests of children.
"Deportation decisions must always be based on individualized assessments and should not be carried out prior to conclusion of appeal processes," Türk said.
The High Commissioner urged States to ensure that public discourse on migration remains grounded in fact, avoids conflating migration with security concerns and upholds human dignity. He called for a balanced approach to migration governance anchored in human rights, with recognition of the contributions of migrants to European societies and economies.
