The new EU Pact is part of a wider pattern we all need to be aware of.
The Pact comes at a time when politics across Europe is shifting to the right, with increasing calls for tighter borders and tougher migration policies. Research shows that support for far-right political parties in Europe has more than doubled over the last decade. Many of these parties promote anti-immigration policies and have increasingly politicised humanitarian issues such as asylum.
In response, centrist parties in many countries have also shifted towards tougher positions on migration, responding to changing voter attitudes and pressure from the far right. This shift is visible across Europe and the new Pact can be seen as part of this wider political change.
As the general public's perception shifts, people seeking safety become political pawns in a wider battle for votes and public support. But behind the political debate are individuals and families, many of whom have fled war, persecution and violence and need our support and kindness.
What does the EU stand for now?
The EU was established on the values of inclusion, freedom and protection and has duties under international human rights and refugee law. This new focus on stronger border controls and faster procedures risks shifting the emphasis away these and towards deterrence and control.
The Pact also reflects an increasingly insular view of EU responsibilities; by outsourcing migration to other countries the EU is effectively shirking its own duties and undermining the pillar of freedom, which - paired with fast-track systems - leaves asylum seekers vulnerable to human rights violations.
Our concern is that by increasing time pressure to assess claims the Pact also increases the risk of mistakes being made, meaning claims are wrongfully denied and use of detention centres increases.
We are keeping in close contact with our partners on the ground who are monitoring the situation and who will continue to update us on the effect this is having on vulnerable people actually having to live through these new rules. That's where our focus remains: away from the headlines and rules, we stand beside the people stuck in a system that focuses only on reducing numbers.
What can you do to help?
The future of asylum and refugee protection in Europe matters to all of us, so understanding what’s happening, speaking up and sharing this information within our communities is so important.
Could you share this blog with someone today and help them understand what the new EU Pact means for refugees and asylum seekers?
