UN alarmed by 'increasing frequency' of Greek migrant pushbacks

GENEVA

The UN refugee agency said on Tuesday that it has long been alarmed by the "increasing frequency" of Greek migrant pushbacks.

"We are aware of the recent reports from the Turkish Coast Guard. In terms of pushbacks in general – at both land and sea borders - we have long been sounding the alarm on the increasing frequency of expulsions and pushbacks of refugees and asylum seekers at Europe’s land and sea borders and have called on states to investigate and halt these practices," UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told Anadolu.

Her remarks came after weekend pushback by Greece of dozens of migrants into Turkish territorial waters.

"States must uphold their commitments and respect fundamental human rights, including the right to life and right to seek asylum," she urged.

On Sunday, Greek naval forces pushed 84 irregular migrants into Turkish territorial waters near Ayvacik, western Canakkale province. The Turkish Coast Guard's Northern Aegean Group Command conducted a rescue operation, bringing the individuals ashore.

Türkiye and global rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece’s illegal practice of pushing back asylum seekers, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

Asked what she thinks about the ongoing pushbacks after the June 14 deadly shipwreck off Peloponnese, southwestern Greece, which killed at least 82 migrants as hundreds more are feared to have drowned, Mantoo said: "We are very concerned by the reports and testimonies that have emerged following this tragic incident."

She welcomed the investigation into the incident, saying that it must be "impartial and independent in order to ascertain the circumstances which led to the boat capsizing and the tragic loss of life."

"This requires that the investigation focuses on all aspects of the incident and identifies all potential liabilities; and opportunities should be afforded to all affected individuals to be heard in the context of the investigation, and their protection ensured," she added.