UN rights chief raises concerns over new EU migration policy

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed serious concern over the European Union's newly approved migration rules.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed serious concern over the European Union’s newly approved migration rules, warning that the measures could increase the risk of human rights violations. The new policy, adopted earlier this week, allows EU member states to establish migrant return centres outside the bloc and gives authorities wider powers to detain people facing deportation.

Under the new rules, the 27 member states will be able to send asylum seekers and migrants whose applications have been rejected to designated return hubs located in countries outside the European Union. The policy is part of a broader effort by European governments to strengthen immigration controls and improve the return of people who are not granted permission to remain in the bloc.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said the changes must be implemented in full accordance with international human rights standards and refugee law. He stressed that European countries cannot avoid their legal responsibilities by transferring migrants to third countries. According to Turk, governments remain responsible for protecting the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of where deportation procedures take place.

Turk warned that returning vulnerable people, especially children, to other countries carries significant legal and humanitarian risks. He said detention and deportation should always be handled with great care to ensure that the rights of those affected are fully respected. He added that protecting human dignity must remain at the centre of every decision made under the new migration framework.

The new policy comes as immigration continues to dominate political debate across Europe. Several governments have adopted tougher positions on migration in response to growing public concern and increasing support for far right political parties. Although the number of asylum seekers arriving in Europe declined during 2025, European leaders have shifted their attention toward improving the system for returning migrants whose applications have been rejected.

At present, fewer than one third of people ordered to leave the European Union are successfully returned to their countries of origin. European officials believe the new rules will help improve that rate by placing greater responsibility on migrants to cooperate with authorities during the deportation process. Those who refuse to comply, are considered a security threat or are believed likely to disappear before removal can now be detained for up to two years under the updated regulations.

Turk reminded governments that international law clearly prohibits sending anyone to a country where they could face persecution, torture or other serious harm. He said the long established principle of non refoulement must always be respected without exception. He also called for strong oversight and accountability to ensure that deportation procedures protect fundamental rights, including the right to family life, family unity and the welfare of children.

The UN rights chief further stressed that every deportation decision should be based on an individual assessment rather than broad policies. He said removals should not take place until all legal appeals have been completed. Turk also urged European leaders to avoid linking migration with security issues in public debate and instead encourage discussions based on facts. He said migrants continue to make valuable contributions to European societies and economies and called for a balanced migration policy that protects both national interests and human rights.