On July 27, 2021, the Lithuanian parliament passed a bill that allows border guards to push back illegal migrants and asylum seekers to neighboring non-European Union countries. The law has drawn criticism from human rights groups and the European Union, which has launched an investigation to determine whether Lithuania violated EU law.
What are Pushbacks?
Pushbacks refer to the practice of forcibly returning migrants and asylum seekers to the country from which they came or to a third country without any legal procedure. It is a controversial practice that has been criticized by human rights groups and the United Nations for violating international law and putting people's lives at risk.
Why Did Lithuania Legalize Pushbacks?
Lithuania, like many other European countries, has seen a surge of illegal migration in recent years. In 2020, over 4,000 illegal migrants and asylum seekers arrived in Lithuania, more than triple the number from the previous year. The country has accused Belarus of orchestrating the influx of migrants as part of a political retaliation for Lithuania's support for the opposition in Belarus. The Lithuanian government argues that the pushback law is necessary to maintain border security and prevent illegal migration.
What are the Consequences of Legalizing Pushbacks?
The legalization of pushbacks has sparked a fierce debate about its consequences. Human rights groups argue that it violates international law and puts people's lives at risk by exposing them to violence, abuse, and persecution in the countries from which they are pushed back. The European Union has warned Lithuania that it may face consequences if it violates EU law, including the suspension of funds.
What is the EU's Response?
The European Union has launched an investigation into Lithuania's pushback law to determine whether it violates EU law and human rights standards. The EU has warned Lithuania that it may face consequences if it violates EU law, including the suspension of funds. The EU also urged Lithuania to respect its obligations under international law and ensure that people's rights are protected.
What is the Reaction of Human Rights Groups?
Human rights groups have condemned Lithuania's pushback law as inhumane and illegal. Amnesty International called on Lithuania to revoke the law, warning that it could result in serious human rights violations. Human Rights Watch also criticized the law, warning that it could result in the mass refoulement of people seeking international protection.
What is the Response of Belarus?
Belarus has denied the accusations that it is behind the surge of illegal migration to Lithuania. The country's foreign ministry has criticized Lithuania's pushback law, calling it "barbaric" and warning that it could lead to a humanitarian crisis. Belarus has also threatened to retaliate against Lithuania, including by suspending border controls and redirecting the flow of migrants to other EU countries.
Conclusion
The legalization of pushbacks in Lithuania has sparked a fierce debate about its consequences and legality. While the Lithuanian government argues that it is necessary to maintain border security and prevent illegal migration, human rights groups and the European Union warn that it violates international law and puts people's lives at risk. The investigation launched by the EU will determine whether Lithuania violated EU law. The pushback law raises important questions about the balance between border security and human rights that require careful consideration.
