The European Commission has proposed a new policy that would permit EU member states to transfer asylum seekers to countries with which they have no prior connection. This proposal, released on May 20, raises concerns about its potential impact on the right to asylum within the European Union.
The proposal extends the “safe third country” concept, allowing EU nations to deem an asylum claim inadmissible if the individual could have sought protection in another country deemed safe, even without any connection to that country. Previously, there was debate over how substantial this connection needed to be. However, under pressure from several member states, the Commission now suggests that no such connection is necessary.
This change means that an EU country could potentially send an asylum seeker to a distant nation where they have no ties or knowledge of the local language and culture. The fairness of procedures and support for rebuilding their life in these countries could also be uncertain. Furthermore, under this proposal, an appeal against such decisions would not prevent immediate deportation before consideration of the appeal.
The proposal insists that agreements with third countries must respect human rights. However, organizations like Human Rights Watch argue these arrangements often lead to abuses. They cite examples like the EU-Turkey deal and the US-Guatemala Cooperative Agreement as problematic in practice.
Critics argue this approach undermines international human rights and refugee law commitments and diminishes the EU’s global reputation regarding migration policies.
“The European Parliament and EU governments that care about respect for human rights and the rule of law should reject it,” states a critique against this proposal.
