The Greek Coast Guard's systematic and illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers - supported by EU funding

TLDR 
The Greek Coast Guard's systematic pushbacks of asylum seekers, supported by EU funding, violate international law and highlight significant failures in EU migration policies. These illegal practices continue with little accountability despite irrefutable evidence and international outcry. The European border agency, Frontex, remains complicit and fails to enforce fundamental rights protections. Greek authorities intimidate those who expose these violations, and asylum seekers are forced to take more dangerous routes. The EU prioritizes border security over human rights, reflecting a broader policy failure. A shift towards humane, balanced migration policies is needed to protect asylum seekers' rights and uphold international obligations.


The issue of pushback of asylum seekers by the Greek Coast Guard, particularly in the Aegean Sea, has become a glaring example of the challenges and failures in EU-level migration politics and decisions. Over a year ago, a New York Times investigation uncovered irrefutable evidence of Greek authorities abandoning asylum seekers, including children, in the middle of the sea. These actions, carried out by masked men posing as aid workers, were shockingly blatant and underscored the severity of the situation.

Despite international outcry and the clear violation of international law, little has changed. The Greek government, supported by significant funding from the EU, has continued its hardline approach to managing migration, prioritizing border security over humanitarian obligations. The pushbacks, where asylum seekers are forcibly returned to Turkish waters without due process, directly contradict the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face harm.

The Greek Coast Guard's actions are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic policy supported by the EU's executive body, the European Commission. Despite calls for an independent inquiry into these practices, the Greek Prime Minister's promises of investigation have yielded no substantial results. Instead, the Greek government has maintained its stance, defending its migration policies even as evidence of abuse continues to mount.

Frontex, the European border agency, has been complicit in these pushbacks. Under its previous director, Frontex faced accusations of direct involvement in these illegal operations, which led to the director's resignation. The new director, Hans Leijtens, has a challenging task: reforming the agency and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights. However, despite acknowledging the hard evidence presented by the Times investigation, much substantive change has yet to be made. The agency continues to fund and support the Greek Coast Guard, highlighting a disconnect between policy and practice.

The response from Greek authorities has been to intimidate and legally challenge those who expose these violations. Aid workers, volunteers, and journalists face significant risks, with Greek authorities issuing arrest warrants and pursuing legal actions to silence dissent. This creates a chilling effect, stifling efforts to document and report the abuses occurring at the borders.

Furthermore, the Greek Coast Guard has adapted its tactics in response to increased scrutiny. Increased patrols near common landing spots have forced asylum seekers to seek even more dangerous routes. Smaller, less monitored islands have seen a rise in arrivals, with fewer NGOs supporting and monitoring violations. This shift has not reduced the frequency of pushbacks but has made them more challenging to document and prevent.


The EU's role in this crisis is critical. The European Commission's funding and political support for Greece's border policies demonstrate prioritizing border security over human rights. This approach reflects broader EU-level decisions that have increasingly favored deterrence and externalization of migration management. The EU has engaged in deals with countries like Turkey to curb migration flows, often at the expense of the rights and safety of asylum seekers.


The situation on the Greek islands is a microcosm of the more significant issues within EU migration politics. The reliance on harsh border controls and the outsourcing of responsibilities to countries with poor human rights records have led to systemic abuses. The EU's failure to address these issues effectively undermines its credibility and commitment to human rights.


To rectify this, EU policy must shift towards a more balanced approach that ensures border security while upholding international human rights obligations. Frontex must be reformed to prioritize the protection of asylum seekers and hold member states accountable for violations. Only through a comprehensive and humane approach can the EU address the root causes of migration and protect the rights of those seeking refuge.
 
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