Returns Regulation vote will endanger lives & violate dignity

On the vote on the Returns Regulation in the LIBE Committee tonight, Mélissa Camara MEP, Greens/EFA Shadow on the Returns Regulation, comments:  

“The text adopted by the LIBE committee, with a right-wing and far-right majority, reflects a racist and populist ideology. It will endanger people’s lives and violate their dignity.  

"The European Parliament’s negotiating position now includes highly problematic provisions including the possible obligation to leave a Member State immediately, lifetime entry bans and detention for an indefinite period without serious legal grounds, return hubs including for families with minors, administrative detention of minors, severe sanctions in cases of so-called non-cooperation, weakening of procedural rights, etc.  

“The EPP has shown again its positions on migration policies are aligned with the far-right groups, as well as it disregards fundamental rights. We will keep on fighting, inside and outside the European Parliament, to preserve people’s dignity and rights."  

Tineke Strik MEP, Greens/EFA Coordinator in LIBE and rapporteur on the previous returns directive, also comments:  

“An unholy coalition between EPP and extreme right just adopted a law enabling ICE-style structures and deportations. A step closer to a dystopian, Trump-inspired deportation policy. A big step away from a fair, humane and efficient migration system. The EPP needs to have a serious rethink before the plenary vote.”