Lithuanian and neighboring NGOs call for review of migrant pushbacks at border

Non-governmental organizations from Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland have urged a review of migrant pushback practices at the border with Belarus following the entry into force of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, LRT reports.

The Lithuanian organization Sienos Grupė, Latvia’s Gribu palidzet begliem, and Poland’s Stowarzyszenie Interwencji Prawnej called on EU member states bordering the external EU-Belarus border to ensure that the implementation of new rules fully complies with human rights standards and international law.

“Migration policy cannot be based on fear or short-term political considerations. It must be grounded in human rights, human dignity, and the principles of the rule of law,” the organizations stated in a joint declaration released on Thursday.

They emphasized that even under exceptional circumstances covered by EU crisis and force majeure regulations, member states remain bound by fundamental human rights obligations. Collective expulsions without assessing individual cases and thereby restricting access to asylum procedures are prohibited, the statement noted.

“The current pushback practices in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland raise serious concerns about their compatibility with the new migration and asylum rules,” the NGOs said.

They stressed that under the new legal framework, restrictions on freedom in migration procedures must not be applied automatically. Detention should be a last resort, used only after an individual assessment of each case and consideration of less restrictive alternatives.

The organizations also highlighted that unaccompanied minors must be immediately appointed a representative during screening procedures. “The detention of children cannot be considered in their best interest and should not be applied at all,” the statement read.

The NGOs noted that the new EU rules establish an independent monitoring mechanism to ensure effective human rights protection. Monitors must have access to border areas, as well as foreigner accommodation and detention sites, with sufficient resources and the ability to engage experts to fulfill their mandate.

“Their effectiveness also depends on meaningful cooperation with civil society organizations working in migration and human rights, whose expertise and presence on the ground can strengthen trust and quality in monitoring,” the statement said.

Effective legal assistance must be guaranteed at all stages of migration procedures, including asylum, detention, and return processes, the NGOs argued. Without quality state-guaranteed legal aid, foreigners’ right to effective legal defense would be violated.

The organizations also emphasized that the right to work is essential for human dignity, autonomy, and social integration. If international protection is not granted and return to the country of origin is not possible, individuals must be granted the right to work. Otherwise, there is a risk of poverty, exploitation, and illegal employment.

On Wednesday, the Lithuanian government approved legislative amendments to transpose the EU Migration and Asylum Pact requirements into national law. The package, prepared by the Ministry of the Interior, still requires parliamentary approval. The proposed changes include amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and other legal acts.

Earlier, Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius told BNS that the government would request an expedited procedure for the draft laws and hopes parliament will adopt them in June.

Under the draft, foreigners would be barred from entering Lithuania if EU regulations subject them to screening, border, or return procedures. As part of the EU solidarity mechanism, Lithuania plans to accept 58 migrants currently in Cyprus and pay a contribution of €1.14 million.