In a groundbreaking ruling on Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights found that Greece had unlawfully deported a woman to Turkey and condemned the use of "pushbacks" as a systematic practice. This decision could have far-reaching implications for how Europe deals with migrants and refugees at its borders, especially as countries like Greece and other EU members push for stricter immigration policies.
Case Details
The court awarded 20,000 euros in damages to a Turkish woman, known only as A.R.E., who was expelled from Greece in 2019 without being given a chance to apply for asylum. The ruling highlighted evidence of systematic pushbacks of third-country nationals by Greek authorities from the Evros region to Turkey.
Another claim made by an Afghan man, who was returned to Turkey from the Greek island of Samos in 2020 at the age of 15, was rejected due to lack of evidence. The Greek government has consistently denied allegations of illegal deportations, arguing that its border policies comply with international law.
Reactions and Investigations
The United Nations refugee agency and various human rights organizations have called for thorough investigations into the pushback allegations. Greece's National Transparency Authority conducted a four-month investigation in 2022 but found no evidence to support the claims of systematic deportations.
About the European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg, France, is an international judicial body that hears cases of human rights violations involving 46 member states of the Council of Europe. It plays a crucial role in upholding human rights standards across the continent.
Conclusion
The court's ruling against Greece underscores the importance of respecting the rights of migrants and refugees, and the need for transparent and lawful border practices. It sets a precedent for holding European countries accountable for their treatment of vulnerable populations seeking safety and protection.
European Court of Human Rights, Greece, migrants, refugees, pushbacks, immigration controls
