UN chief decries EU’s new migration law allowing forced returns

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he deeply regrets the European Parliament’s adoption of a new migration law that permits the return of migrants to their countries of origin. The legislation, approved on 17 June, includes provisions for EU member states to establish “return centres” outside the Union where migrants can be detained before deportation.

Türk warned that such measures risk serious human‑rights violations, especially for vulnerable individuals, including children. He stressed that the EU cannot delegate its human‑rights obligations to third countries and reiterated the principle of non‑refoulement, calling for individual case assessments and full access to appeal mechanisms before any removal takes place. The UN commissioner described the law as contrary to international refugee and human‑rights standards.

The new rules have sparked political division within the European Parliament and drawn criticism from human‑rights groups who fear an escalation in forced returns and potential abuses.