Greece condemned for the first time over systematic pushbacks at the Greek-Turkish border

For years, we have seen first-hand the tragic consequences of pushbacks—violence, trauma, and unimaginable risks for refugees seeking safety. The Greek government has consistently denied these practices despite widespread reports and mounting evidence from victims and organisations. 

Now, however, a landmark ruling has confirmed what we knew. Based on a case brought by the Greek Council of Refugees, the European Court of Human Rights found that Greece's practices at the Greek-Turkish borders violated the prohibition of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, the right to personal liberty and security, and the right to an effective remedy. Pushbacks are a systematic practice that forcibly remove refugees from a state’s territory, putting their safety at risk and denying their right to seek asylum.   

Over the years, reports of pushbacks by Greek authorities have multiplied, including recent horrific accounts of coastguards deliberately throwing refugees into the Mediterranean. In one particularly shocking incident, a Somali man recounted being tied up by the Greek coastguard and thrown into the sea. He survived by floating on his back and breaking free from the restraints, but three others in his group tragically drowned.   

These stories are among those we have heard first-hand from refugees we support. 

This ruling is a significant win as it marks the first time the Greek government has been found guilty of an unlawful policy it had, until now, denied. It is a win for countless victims of this state-condoned violence, confirming that Greece’s use of pushbacks are not isolated incidents, but rather a systematic practice violating fundamental human rights. Our team in Greece has witnessed the traumatic impact of these practices on people seeking safety, separated from loved ones because of violence at the border, and consistently denied accountability. 

While this ruling represents significant progress, the fight is far from over. With EU governments increasingly prioritising border control over human lives, and pushbacks on the rise at Europe’s borders, it will be challenging to ensure this ruling is adhered to.  

Refugees deserve dignity, safety, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives without fear of being forcibly returned to danger. This ruling must serve as a crucial step towards upholding these principles and achieving justice for refugees.