Doha: United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed deep regret for the adoption of a new European Union (EU) return regulation allowing speedy deportations of migrants. "EU States cannot simply outsource their human rights obligations to third States in this context," said Turk in a statement on Saturday.
According to Qatar News Agency, the regulation, voted on by the European Parliament earlier this week, expands the use of pre-removal detention and enables EU members to create 'return hubs' in third countries. "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," Turk added.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized that there must be a focus on human rights protection and dignity, both in practice and in law. Turk pointed out that international human rights law and refugee law are clear that no one should be returned to a place where they would face serious human rights violations or irreparable harm, underscoring the principle of non-refoulement.
Turk stated that deportation decisions must be based on individualized assessments and should not be executed before appeal processes are concluded. He called for a balanced approach to migration governance that is anchored in human rights and acknowledges the contributions of migrants to European societies and economies.