Published : 15-03-2022
Greek armed forces and police have cordoned off borders with Turkey over the last 24 hours to block the flow of asylum seekers and migrants.
Over recent days, Greek forces backed by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, have intensified their presence on borderlands without prior notice.
Human rights organizations said the presence of Frontex forces at the Turkish-Greek border contravenes international law, at a time when Greek border guards have been involved in serious human rights abuses against asylum seekers.
In recent years, hundreds of thousands have made short but perilous journeys across the Aegean to reach Northern and Western Europe in search of a better life.
Hundreds of people have died at sea as many boats carrying refugees often sink or capsize. The Turkish Coast Guard Command has rescued thousands of others.
Turkey and Greece are key transit points for migrants looking to cross into Europe, fleeing war and persecution to start new lives. Turkey has accused Greece of large-scale pushbacks, summary deportations and denying migrants access to asylum procedures, which is a violation of international law. Ankara also accuses the EU of turning a blind eye to this blatant abuse of human rights.
Pushbacks are considered contrary to international refugee protection agreements that say people should not be expelled or returned to a country where their life or safety might be in danger due to their race, religion, nationality or membership of a social or political group.
Greek armed forces and police have cordoned off borders with Turkey over the last 24 hours to block the flow of asylum seekers and migrants.
Over recent days, Greek forces backed by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, have intensified their presence on borderlands without prior notice.
Human rights organizations said the presence of Frontex forces at the Turkish-Greek border contravenes international law, at a time when Greek border guards have been involved in serious human rights abuses against asylum seekers.
In recent years, hundreds of thousands have made short but perilous journeys across the Aegean to reach Northern and Western Europe in search of a better life.
Hundreds of people have died at sea as many boats carrying refugees often sink or capsize. The Turkish Coast Guard Command has rescued thousands of others.
Turkey and Greece are key transit points for migrants looking to cross into Europe, fleeing war and persecution to start new lives. Turkey has accused Greece of large-scale pushbacks, summary deportations and denying migrants access to asylum procedures, which is a violation of international law. Ankara also accuses the EU of turning a blind eye to this blatant abuse of human rights.
Pushbacks are considered contrary to international refugee protection agreements that say people should not be expelled or returned to a country where their life or safety might be in danger due to their race, religion, nationality or membership of a social or political group.
