On July 10, Thanos Plevris, the Greek Minister for Migration, unveiled new legislation aimed at addressing irregular migration, which many fear could significantly impair the right to asylum for those arriving in Greece. Plevris articulated the government’s stance, asserting that Greece intends to manage migration effectively while ensuring safety at its borders. Human rights organizations have responded promptly, labeling the legislation as potentially unlawful and urging its reconsideration. The Greek Bar Association reiterated that the denial of asylum represents a violation of both international and European Union law.
Simultaneously, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a strategic agreement with France to combat what he termed as dangerous migration routes via small boats. This initiative has met with resistance from various political factions and organizations. Critics, including Doctors Without Borders, condemned the initiative as hazardous and ineffective, while the Migrants’ Rights Network emphasized that such measures are unlikely to deter determined individuals from attempting crossings.
The new directives from both Greece and the UK have raised concerns regarding their potential ineffectiveness, as data shows that deterrence-based approaches to migration rarely succeed. The events of 2015, which saw a surge in refugees fleeing conflict zones such as Syria and Afghanistan, underscore a period that the European Union struggled to manage due to a lack of comprehensive policies.
The prevailing narrative surrounding migration continues to serve as a justification for stricter measures. In Greece, authorities have linked migration to economic success, framing it as a challenge to their growth narrative. The UK, grappling with rising right-wing sentiments, has also utilized migration as a means to appeal to domestic political pressures.
Furthermore, this surge in migration control is aligned with a broader trend across Europe, where perceptions of migrants as threats inform policy decisions. The language surrounding migrants often dehumanizes them, reducing their individual stories to mere statistics and labelling them as “illegal.” This divisive narrative fosters an environment where only those deemed “real refugees” are considered deserving of protection and support, while others face marginalization and exclusion.
Despite being labeled a “refugee crisis,” the situation at Europe’s borders reflects deeper systemic issues within the migration framework. Evolving policies aimed at enforcement have resulted in the fortification of borders and the normalization of harsh responses towards migrants. Historical agreements, such as the EU-Turkey deal, demonstrate that short-term solutions often simply reroute migration without addressing its root causes or making journeys safer.
Ultimately, it remains evident that human mobility is an inherent aspect of global society that cannot be entirely controlled. Efforts to manage migration through fear and exclusion risk deepening divisions and perpetuating historical injustices. These challenges remind us that addressing the complexities of human migration requires understanding, empathy, and a commitment to human rights.
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