Several humanitarian and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam Intermón, Cáritas, and Save the Children, have expressed concern that the new European Union Migration and Asylum Pact could weaken protections for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The organizations argue that the implementation process lacks sufficient transparency and clarity regarding how the rules will be applied by individual member states.
The groups contend that the pact introduces measures that may undermine fundamental rights, including access to asylum procedures, protection against unlawful returns, access to legal assistance, and adequate support for vulnerable individuals. They have also raised concerns about recent proposals related to returns and deportations, which they believe could increase the use of detention and coercive enforcement measures.
According to the organizations, the revised framework may expand the use of concepts such as “safe third countries” and “safe countries of origin,” potentially allowing asylum applications to be processed under stricter conditions. Critics argue that some countries considered safe may still have significant human rights concerns, creating risks for people seeking international protection.
In Spain, civil society organizations have called on the government to provide greater transparency regarding the implementation of the pact. They are seeking access to information about operational plans, protocols, legal reforms, resource allocations, and oversight mechanisms that will guide the new migration framework.
The organizations have also emphasized the importance of strong monitoring and accountability systems. They support a robust role for oversight bodies to investigate alleged human rights violations and ensure that migration policies comply with national laws and international obligations.
The European Migration and Asylum Pact was designed to strengthen management of the European Union’s external borders while creating a shared responsibility mechanism among member states. Under the agreement, countries facing high migration pressure can receive support from other member states, either through relocation of migrants or financial contributions instead of relocation.
Particular concern has been raised regarding the potential impact on children. Save the Children has warned that faster border procedures, expanded biometric checks, and possible detention practices could increase risks for migrant and refugee children. The organization argues that the best interests of the child should remain the primary consideration throughout all migration and asylum procedures.
Child protection advocates stress that vulnerable children, including victims of trafficking, violence, or family separation, require specialized assessment, healthcare, education, psychosocial support, and family reunification services. They caution that accelerated procedures should not compromise the identification of protection needs or access to essential services.
Overall, the debate surrounding the EU Migration and Asylum Pact highlights the challenge of balancing border management objectives with the protection of human rights. While supporters view the pact as a mechanism for improving migration governance and burden-sharing across the European Union, humanitarian organizations continue to call for stronger safeguards, transparency, and protections for migrants, refugees, and children.
