Return
European governments use return as a tool to gain political advantage by appearing tough on asylum. The drive to return has led to an increased use of detention to prevent people from ‘disappearing’. It has also led to destitution for many asylum seekers whose applications have been refused and who have had support withdrawn from them as an incentive to return. ECRE does not dispute the fact that governments have the right to return asylum seekers whose claims have been correctly refused. Nevertheless, ECRE believes that people should only be returned following a fast, fair and thorough examination of their asylum claim. Where return is not possible or where it would be inhumane, people should be granted a legal status to remain in the country of residence as long as this situation continues. Voluntary return should be prioritised and all returns should be carried out in safety with dignity and should be sustainable. |
Position Papers ECRE's Refugee Agenda for Europe Way Forward paper on Return Guidelines on the Treatment of Iraqi Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Europe Guidelines on the Treatment of Afghan Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Europe Responses & Recommendations ECRE/AI letter on returns directive to LIBE MEPs Research Papers Increasing Refugee Participation in the Field of Voluntary Return |