European Border Externalisation: A Cloak for Human Rights Violations?

The migration crisis at Europe’s borders is well-documented, but what happens in transit countries like Niger, Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya remains largely overlooked. A recent report by IOM, UNHCR, and the Mixed Migration Centre sheds light on the harrowing conditions faced by refugees and migrants trying to reach Europe through Africa. These individuals endure unimaginable horrors, including death, torture, kidnapping, and exploitation.

The EU’s border externalisation policies, which delegate border control to non-EU countries, are at the root of these abuses. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum, endorsed by the EU Parliament, cements this approach by incentivizing transit countries to prevent migrants from reaching Europe at any cost. Agreements with countries like Egypt, Mauritania, and Tunisia demonstrate the EU’s willingness to turn a blind eye to human rights violations in exchange for border control.

This trend towards externalisation and repression is not confined to right-wing parties; centrist and center-left parties are also embracing tougher migration policies. The proposals outlined in the New Pact and subsequent agreements prioritize control over compassion, disregarding fundamental human rights principles.

As European countries deepen their partnership with regimes known for human rights abuses, the future looks bleak for migrants and refugees. It is imperative to hold these nations accountable for their inhumane policies and advocate for a more humane approach to migration governance.

Tommaso Segantini, an expert in international relations and refugee studies, sheds light on the troubling implications of European border policies. Follow him on X and share your thoughts with us at editorial-english@newarab.com.

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