The provided text discusses Greece‘s suspension of asylum applications and its implications for human rights and EU law. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Greece’s Actions and Concerns:
Suspension of Asylum Applications: Greece has suspended asylum applications, including for individuals with clear protection needs, such as those fleeing conflict in Sudan.
Past Suspension: A previous suspension in March 2020 led to violence, chaos, and suffering for asylum seekers at the border.
Cooperation with Libya: Greece’s Prime Minister intends to cooperate with Libyan authorities to prevent migrant departures. This raises concerns about complicity in the forcible return of migrants and asylum seekers to Libya, were they face severe abuse, including detention that amounts to “crimes against humanity” according to the UN.
Naval Deployment: Greece deployed naval vessels off the Libyan coast to deter arrivals.
Legal and Ethical Framework:
EU Fundamental Rights Charter: This charter obliges EU states to respect the right to asylum.
Treaty Obligations: Greece is bound by the absolute prohibition of sending individuals to places where they face torture (non-refoulement) and the principle of non-refoulement itself, which prevents return to places of persecution.Reactions and Criticisms:
Condemnation from Institutions: The council of Europe Commissioner for Human rights and UNHCR have condemned Greece’s actions.
Criticism of the European Commission: The author criticizes the European Commission for its silence, suggesting it is indeed complicit in the erosion of EU law at borders.
* Questions for Frontex: Greece’s move raises questions for Frontex,the EU border agency,which previously sent officers to assist Greece during a similar suspension of asylum access,despite clear breaches of EU law. Frontex’s response this time is seen as a test of its commitment to the EU Rights Charter.
Overall Message:
The article expresses deep concern over Greece’s suspension of asylum applications, highlighting the potential for human rights abuses, violations of EU law, and the complicity of other EU bodies like the European Commission and Frontex. It emphasizes the importance of upholding the right to asylum and adhering to international legal obligations.
