EU nations negotiate migrant return centers in Uganda and Rwanda

Five European Union member states—Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands—are negotiating the establishment of migrant return centers in third countries, specifically targeting Uganda and Rwanda. These facilities are intended to house irregular migrants awaiting repatriation to their countries of origin.

While a new Return Regulation has been politically agreed upon, it is currently awaiting legal review and official publication in the EU Official Journal, expected this autumn. Despite this, several nations are already pursuing bilateral agreements. Uganda is reportedly the most advanced in discussions, with the goal of having an operational facility by 2027. Negotiations regarding Rwanda are also ongoing.

The proposal faces significant legal and human rights scrutiny. Michael O’Flaherty, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, has called for rigorous risk assessments before such cooperation proceeds. Critics point out that the current regulation does not explicitly mandate human rights impact assessments, focusing instead on the principle of non-refoulement. The upcoming European Council summit is expected to address these migration strategies, though fundamental questions regarding the operational mechanics and legal frameworks of these centers remain unresolved.