United Nations: Rights violations against asylum seekers at Turkish-Greek border must stop

·

UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Felipe González Morales, has criticised the actions of authorities at the Greek-Turkish border and called on Greece to take ‘immediate action’ to end the violence against migrants and asylum seekers.

Mr Morales expressed alarm at the reports of assaults and violence against asylum seekers by Greek security officers and unidentified armed men aiming to push them back to the Turkish side of the border.

“I am very concerned about the reported push backs of asylum seekers and migrants, which constitutes a violation of the prohibition of collective expulsions and the principle of non-refoulement,” Mr Morales said.

“Greece has the responsibility to ensure that migrants and those assisting them are protected from threats and attacks. The authorities should condemn promptly and ensure accountability for any such acts.”

Clashes erupted on the Greek-Turkish land border, where refugees and migrants hurled stones as Greek riot police fired tear gas. Photo by Nick Paleologos.

On March 1, 2020, Greece decided to suspend access to asylum application for 30 days for individuals who have crossed the border irregularly. These individuals would be returned to the country they arrived from or to their country of origin without registration or individual assessment.

“Greece should immediately reverse its decision on the suspension of asylum application which has no legal basis in international human rights law. The right to individual assessment is the cornerstone of human rights and refugee protection. It cannot be put on hold,” the UN expert said.

“Returning people without due process will inevitably result in cases of refoulement to situations where they may face the risk of death, torture, ill-treatment, persecution or other irreparable harm.”

Migrants have set up makeshift camps at the Greek-Turkish border. Source: Associated Press.

The Special Rapporteur has contacted the Government of Greece about his concerns regarding the situation of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees at the Turkish-Greek border.

Relevant institutions of the European Union and the Government of Turkey were also notified.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

Snowtown killer James Vlassakis’ parole review to be heard in private

The parole review of Snowtown murderer James Spyridon Vlassakis will be conducted in private. Read more here.

Australian Championship, Movember launch $500k fundraising initiative for men’s health

The Australian Championship and Movember have launched a new fundraising initiative to change the face of men’s health.

You May Also Like

Greek candlemaker gives his Santa candles a makeover with masks

A Greek candlemaker has highlighted the need to wear a mask to curb the spread of the COVID-19 by putting them on his Santa candles.

Dr Tasos Chatzivasileiou to address Greek Australians in upcoming dialogue series

The Greek Australian Dialogue Series will continue on Monday, March 28 with a zoom conference with Dr Tasos Chatzivasileiou.

Tsitsipas crushes Paire to close out day one of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown

Greek world no.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas won his first match at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS), beating French opponent Benoit Paire three sets to one.