Migration aid supporters face legal action against, reveals NGO in 2024 forecast
Sounding the Alarm: A Spike in Prosecutions for Aiding Migrants in Europe
In 2024, the alarming number of individuals prosecuted for aiding migrants across Europe has risen to at least 142, as per a report released by NGO PICUM on April 28. This is the fourth consecutive year that this figure has been on the rise, a stark warning sounded by Silvia Carta, one of PICUM's leaders, who denounces the criminalization of solidarity with migrants.
The report zeroes in on cases in Greece, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Latvia, and France, compiling data from European media monitoring.
One of the most high-profile cases is the trial of seven Basque activists in Spain, accused of helping 36 migrants cross the border between Spain and France in March 2024. Another case involving five people in Poland sees them facing imprisonment for providing humanitarian aid at the border with Belarus.
The NGO's report underscores a concerning trend: the increased criminalization of activities offering essential support to migrants, such as providing food, water, and clothing. Moreover, over 80 individuals have been prosecuted for assisting migrants at sea.
As Europe grapples with finding a balance between anti-smuggling efforts and humanitarian concerns, cases like these highlight the need for clearer distinctions between smuggling and legitimate humanitarian aid, preventing the potential criminalization of aid workers.
This observed rise in prosecutions marked the fourth consecutive year of increasing criminalization of solidarity with migrants, sparking debate and concerns over the potential consequences of stringent border control measures. The European Union must address these issues to safeguard human rights and combat migrant smuggling effectively.
- The NGO PICUM's report in 2024 highlights a concerning trend within the European Union, as over 142 individuals have been prosecuted for aiding migrants, marking the fourth consecutive year of increasing criminalization of solidarity with migrants.
- One of the most notable cases is the trial of seven Basque activists in Spain, accused of helping 35 migrants cross the border between Spain and France in March 2024, which underscores the growing issue of criminalizing humanitarian aid.
- In a separate case, five individuals in Poland face imprisonment for providing humanitarian aid at the border with Belarus, adding to the debate over the potential consequences of stringent border control measures within the EU.
- As the European Union moves forward in grappling with anti-smuggling efforts and humanitarian concerns, it is crucial to establish clearer distinctions between smuggling and legitimate humanitarian aid to prevent the potential criminalization of aid workers.
