Proposed moves to bring in a new ‘one in-one out’ system between Greece and Turkey at the EU Council on 17-18 March has seen the UN raise concerns of its legality, but it also threatens to introduce more not fewer incentives for refugees, aided by smugglers, to attempt the dangerous journey across the Aegean. If the number of refugees the EU accepts is based on how many attempt the journey and are returned to Turkey, then Turkey – understandably eager for the EU to take more refugees – is incentivised to let the smuggling continue. We are also concerned about what happens to those people who are returned to Turkey, and then in turn potentially sent back from Turkey to their countries of origin. We seek assurances from the Turkish authorities, and from EU authorities, that all asylum seekers and refugees will be protected, and treated in a fair and humane way, and that no-one will be returned to a place where they are not safe.

Available documents & links