Allegations of pushbacks in Greece: the Minister of Migration in Parliament
On Monday, MEPs will look into reports of human rights violations at the EU’s external border, in an exchange with Greek Minister Notis Mitarachi.
The Civil Liberties Committee will exchange views with Notis Mitarachi, Minister for Migration and Asylum of the Hellenic Republic this afternoon at 15.30. MEPs are expected to focus on reports of pushbacks at Greece’s external borders, which would contravene binding legislation on international protection and decisions by the European Court of Human Rights. At Greece’s land and sea borders with Turkey, the UNHCR has recorded almost 540 reported incidents of informal returns by Greece since the beginning of 2020, according to a recent statement by Filippo Grandi.
When: Monday 27 June, from 15.30 to 16.30 CEST
Where: European Parliament in Brussels, Paul-Henri Spaak building, room 1A002
You can follow the discussion here live or on demand.
Background
On 16 June 2022, the Civil Liberties Committee addressed a letter to the competent Commissioners asking for clarifications on reported pushbacks from Greece to Turkey at the Evros river.
In November 2021, a seven-member delegation of the Civil Liberties Committee visited Athens and Samos where it met with national authorities, international organisations and NGOs to assess in person the situation of migrants and asylum-seekers.
In July 2021, the Frontex Scrutiny Working Group completed a four-month fact-finding investigation into the alleged fundamental rights violations committed by the border agency. The report and recommendations were discussed in the Civil Liberties Committee.
