International Organization for Migration reacts to the push of migrants back from the Greek border
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), affiliated to the United Nations, reacted to the push back of migrants from the Greek border
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), affiliated to the United Nations, stated that they were concerned about the increase in the deaths of irregular migrants on the Turkey-Greece border and reacted to the push of migrants back from the Greek border.
In a written statement from IOM, it was reported that 21 irregular migrants lost their lives at the land border only in the first 2 months of 2022, and this figure is twice as much as the number of migrants who lost their lives in the first 2 months of 2021.
Concerned about the increasing loss of life, the statement said, "IOM is concerned about the ill-treatment of immigrants in the region despite the calls made so far."
In the statement, it was emphasized that it is unacceptable to treat immigrants in this way and that saving the lives of civilians in difficult situations is the first priority.
Push-backs are against international law
The statement also referred to the Greek security forces pushing irregular migrants back from the border region, adding, "In the statements given to the IOM teams, it is stated that there have been cases such as pushing back migrants, mass deportation and using extraordinary force against those who want to cross the border. Such actions, like the principle of non-deportation, are the basis of states' policies. does not comply with its obligations under international and regional law".
The statement conveyed a call to UN member states to take action to implement the Global Compact on Migration's goal 8, which includes "to take international action to save the lives of missing migrants at common border points".
Last year, approximately 3,500 irregular migrants who wanted to cross to European countries by sea died on the way.
Migrants pushed back from Greece's border account for 55 of the total deaths last year.
Greece has recently come to the fore with human rights violations such as pushing immigrant boats trying to cross the Aegean Sea to Europe, back to Turkey, illegal detention and violence against immigrants.
