The refugee deaths continue due to push-backs at the Greek border. since 2015, Greece has been giving a test against the migration flow in her borders. However, the extent to which she complies with human rights in this issue is a matter of debate. Although there was a positive approach especially in the Greek public opinion in the early stages of migration to Europe, as the number of refugees increased, the strict attitude of the Greeks, in particular the police officers, had a great impact in the international media. The Greece has been trying to push back irregular migrants for the past 3 years, blatantly ignoring their rights. Unfortunately, hundreds of refugees have lost their lives due to the unlawful intervention of the Greek military forces on the sea and river bordes.
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, the Turkish press organisations released that 9 migrants pushed back by Greek law enforcement agencies froze to death within the borders of Edirne province, İpsala. Turkish law enforcement officers, who found the bodies of 12 people on the first day of the incident, continued their search efforts the next day and found 7 more frozen bodies kater. Thus bringing the total number of deaths to 19. Searches are continuing since there may be more people frozen from the cold or waiting for help. Although all information could not be reached because the incident is recent, there is no doubt that it violates international conventions to which Greece is a party, especially the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Legal Status of Refugees, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Dublin Convention.
Greece's pushback, which ignores the violations of refugee rights, should be followed by all non-governmental organizations in the surrounding countries. The public and legal authorities of the European Union should also follow the process with its legal dimension and punish those responsible.
For a detailed analysis of the cases and the background information, read the analysis below.
