Pushbacks: Illegally forcing refugees back across the border

Thousands of men, women and children are, sometimes violently, being 'pushed back' across a European border they had crossed in search of safety. An illegal practice which is widespread along EU borders.

Beaten, bitten and robbed

Beaten by the police, bitten by border dogs and robbed of all belongings. Humiliated and left in the woods without food or water. Deprived of phone and identity papers, and with nowhere to go.

These are just some of the horrific testimonies of people who have tried to cross European borders, according to PRAB's latest report on pushbacks in Europe.

The report provides new data confirming the systematic pushback practices that continue at several EU borders and verifying once again that illegal acts have developed into a quietly accepted way of managing the borders.

"Member states have the right to protect their borders, but human rights must be respected. Rights violations along the EU's external and internal borders are a black mark on the EU's reputation."

Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of DRC Danish Refugee Council

Pushbacks are illegal

Pushbacks are an illegal practice where refugees are 'pushed', or forced, back across a border they have crossed. It is a dangerous and unfortunately growing trend. Countries are using violent and inhumane methods to send vulnerable people back across the border they have attempted to cross.

Unfortunately, it seems that pushbacks have become a common practice along EU borders.

Danish Refugee Council regularly reports on pushbacks. We do this together with six other international organizations. The reports are part of the PRAB (Protecting Rights At Borders) initiative.

The latest report documents nearly 9,515 cases of pushbacks from May through August 2023. In other words, almost 10,000 situations in which men, women and children have been forcibly pushed back across a border into Europe.

Many pushback incidents also involve children, the report shows. The vast majority have occurred at the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU member Croatia.

Violent practices and seizure of personal belongings

Pushbacks, where you are illegally forced back across a border, are in themselves a particularly harsh treatment. But in addition, many unfortunately also find that their belongings such as phones and cash are often destroyed or confiscated by authorities along the border.

The purpose is ostensibly to remove evidence of the illegal practice. But it can also be for the personal enrichment of individuals among the authorities, the report shows.

About the PRAB Report

The report is based on data on the unlawful rejection and treatment of people seeking protection along Europe's borders.

The so-called pushbacks have been recorded in connection with the Danish Refugee Council and other organizations providing legal advice and support to the refugees and migrants in question.

The report is estimated to reveal only the tip of the iceberg. In many places along the monitored routes, NGOs are prevented from recording and documenting the extent of illegal pushbacks.

This obscurity is further increased when people avoid having their experiences recorded. Many simply fear that it could have consequences for their status or that they will be prevented from travelling further.

Read the full reports here.

We're talking about people in an extremely vulnerable position. To steal or destroy their very few valuables - not least their phones, which for many are an essential lifeline - is an absolute disgrace.

Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of DRC Danish Refugee Council

Questions and answers about migrant and refugee pushbacks

What are migrant and refugee pushbacks?

Migrant and refugee pushbacks are an illegal method of forcing people back across a border they have crossed. It is an illegal method that some countries use to ensure that refugees and migrants do not cross the border.

Why are migrant and refugee pushbacks illegal?

All states are obliged to make it possible to seek asylum if you cross the border from another country. This is stated in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Asylum processing must ensure that people are not sent back to a country where they are at risk of persecution and torture - so-called 'non-refoulement'.

It is illegal to expel groups of people collectively. And there is a requirement that all people - including migrants and refugees - must be treated with respect and dignity.