And lastly, more cooperation with #Libya to stem arrivals, by trapping ever more people in a horrific cycle of abuse, is not a way forward either.

This week's events show the risks for the EU relying on partners who are too willing to violate rights for political gains.

bsky.app/profile/amne...

Greece adopted similar measures back in 2020, suspending asylum and ramped up returns in response to increased arrivals at its border with Türkiye.

Here's what that led to, and what cannot now happen again: www.amnesty.org/en/latest/pr...

The answer is never to deny people asylum - but to lead with humanity, solidarity, proportionality, and preparedness - making use of the EU support available.

Or did policymakers spend years working on a Common European Asylum System for nothing?

Increases in arrivals have happened in the EU before, and indeed may happen again in the future.

It would be ludicrous to suggest that this can't be managed while upholding international law - and deeply counterproductive for any future EU dialogue with #Greece or other member states.

Greece's proposal clearly violates basic tenets of EU & international law. Int'l law strictly prohibits returning people without first assessing their circumstances. The plans also hint at automatic, arbitrary and illegal detention in Crete.

This is plain to see.
www.unhcr.org/gr/en/news/p...

As European states now look to set up return hubs, or offshore detention centres, I hope they read Benham's testimony and think twice.

His call:

"It was torture what the government did to us... It has become a stain on Australian history.

I hope no European country ever adopts this policy."

“People would self-immolate with petrol in detention. We were beaten. At times the violence was extreme, and you could be assaulted for no reason."

"When a packet of cigarettes can guarantee your safety, you understand how cheap human life can be,” he says.

"We were out of sight, out of mind."