Greece, Pushbacks, Rights

TLDR

The article "Strasbourg Court Finds Greece Guilty of 'Systematic' Pushback of Asylum Seekers" by Helena Smith, published in The Guardian, details a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that found Greece guilty of systematically pushing back asylum seekers at the Evros border. The court ruled that these pushbacks violated international human rights laws, awarding €20,000 in damages to a complainant.
 
The ECHR condemned Greece for violating the European Convention on Human Rights through its illegal practice of "pushbacks" at the Evros border. This ruling involved a complainant identified as "ARE," a Turkish national fleeing persecution due to her affiliation with the Gulen movement.
 
After entering Greece to seek asylum, she was expelled without due process, arrested upon returning to Turkey, and imprisoned. The court ruled that Greece violated:

• Article 3: Prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment.
• Article 13: Right to an effective remedy.

 
This was the first case in which Greece was explicitly condemned for systematic pushbacks, setting a precedent for similar cases awaiting judgment. Human rights groups, such as Amnesty International, have alleged that such expulsions are widespread, describing pushbacks as a de facto Greek border policy. Greek authorities, however, deny these allegations, maintaining that their border policies are "strict but fair."
 
 
The case highlights the increasing scrutiny of EU member states' migration practices. While border states like Greece face immense pressure from rising migration flows, this ruling underscores the tension between securing borders and adhering to human rights obligations. Rights organizations celebrated the judgment as a milestone, emphasizing its potential to expose illegal practices and improve European migrant protection.
 
 
The broader context includes growing migration pressures driven by conflicts and climate change. This judgment challenges the EU's migration framework, reaffirming the importance of human rights compliance while managing border security. It also questions how Europe balances solidarity with frontline states and its humanitarian commitments.
 
 

Concluding Reflections

Helena Smith's article captures the significance of the ECHR ruling against Greece for its illegal pushback practices. The decision holds Greece accountable and serves as a warning to other EU countries accused of similar violations. While this ruling reinforces the importance of international legal standards, it also reignites debates over how Europe can balance border management and its commitment to human rights. The judgment underscores that upholding human dignity must remain central to any migration policy.
 
Thanks for reading. Please follow my blog and write your feedback. 
Source: Helena Smith, "Strasbourg Court Finds Greece Guilty of 'Systematic' Pushback of Asylum Seekers," The Guardian, January 2025.