New Asylum Pact may erode right to asylum in EU

Border Violence Monitoring Network has warned that the New Pact on Asylum, proposed in 2020 could lead to a significant erosion of the right to asylum in the EU.

In a post titled ‘What does the New Pact and the current negotiations mean for #pushbacks?’ Border Violence Monitoring Network said:

“The New Pact on Asylum, proposed in 2020, is now in its final stages. However, the implications are deeply concerning and could lead to a significant erosion of the right to asylum in the EU.” 

The organization went on to raise some questions which it provided answers to. 

They are as stated below.

1. Lowering standards and abolishing the right to asylum?

EU states are currently bargaining on lowering standards. One proposal is to set a quota on the number of border applications per year. This means that people won’t be registered or will be pushed back.

2. Deportation hubs and safe third countries?

Under the Pact, the concept of “safe third countries” means that if people transit through a country, that country might become responsible for them. These could be countries outside the EU, turning them into deportation hubs.

3. Denying access to asylum and legal limbo?

Safe third country also means that asylum requests won’t be assessed based on why they left their country of origin, but on whether they transited a safe country. This can lead to rejection and sending them back to that country.

4. Varying definitions of safe third countries?

Each EU state will have the discretion to decide which countries are considered “safe” according to their own standards. For example, while Türkiye may not be considered safe by Germany, Greece can still send people there.

5. Legal limbo and extended detention?

When people are rejected and cannot be returned to the safe third country, they face uncertain circumstances. Waiting periods for returns are often long, and some countries may refuse to accept them. This leads to a legal limbo.

6 Upholding international obligations and addressing concerns?

It’s disheartening to witness attempts to undermine international standards on refugee protection. However, it’s essential to remember that EU legislation does not absolve states from fulfilling their…. obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights. We must continue to advocate for the protection of human rights and the fair treatment of asylum seekers.