The UN human rights chief said Monday she has reports of pushbacks and collective expulsions of migrants at the European Union’s sea and land borders, describing it as a violation of their legal obligations.
Michelle Bachelet spoke at the opening of the 45th session of the Human Rights Council.
VENEZUELA OPPOSED THE MOTION
“Last week’s fire at the migrant camp in Lesbos, Greece, has had a drastic impact on the lives of thousands of people – and underscores the need for solidarity and shared responsibility among the EU Member States,” said Bachelet.
She encouraged the European Commission and EU states to enhance genuine solidarity and strengthen human rights safeguards at EU external borders in the upcoming EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
“Reports of pushbacks and collective expulsions at the sea and land borders of EU States – in violation of legal obligations and with grave consequences for the lives and rights of migrants – call for independent monitoring and verification.”
Before Bachelet delivered her speech, there was some debate on a German and EU-led proposal to the council to hold an urgent meeting on the human rights situation in Belarus.
EU member states and Australia were among those that spoke in favor of the motion.