Greece: analysis of the new law on migration and its impact on HRDs supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers (joint communication)

migrant rights defender

The flag of Greece against a blue sky background

This is the summary of a joint communication sent by UN experts to the Government of Greece about the Law on “the promotion of legal migration policies” amending the Greek Migration Code and its practical application to human rights defenders supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.

The Ocean Viking, a red and white rescue ship operated by SOS Méditerranée, sailing the sea on a clear day. Photo by Flavio Gasperini / SOS Méditerranée.

This is the summary of a joint communication sent to the Governments of Libya and Italy, and the EU Delegation in Geneva about the gunfire attack on the Ocean Viking search and rescue vessel by the Libyan Coast Guard on 24 August 2025.

European flags outside the EU Commission building in Brussels

UN experts* today expressed alarm at EU discussions about proposed legislation on the smuggling of migrants and its compatibility with international human rights law – particularly the potential absence of a mandatory humanitarian exemption.

The flag of Greece against a blue sky background

This is the summary of a joint communication sent to the Government of Greece concerning public statements by government officials targeting human rights organisations working in the field of migration and recently introduced restrictions on the right to seek asylum.

Mexican human rights defender Luis García Villagrán stands outdoors with a group of people holding a large banner. The group is gathered under a shaded pavilion in a public square, with trees and buildings visible in the background. Villagrán is wearing sunglasses and a light grey shirt.

Lo que sigue se basa en una comunicación conjunta enviada al Gobierno de México sobre la detención arbitraria del defensor de derechos humanos Luis García Villagrán el 5 de agosto de 2025 y la investigación en curso en su contra.

The flag of the United Arab Emirates flying in the wind

This is the summary of a joint communication sent to the Government of the United Arab Emirates about the alleged arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of an Indian human rights defender while transiting through Dubai en route to Kenya in June 2025.

The flag of Tunisia flying in the wind under a blue sky

Ce qui suit est basé sur une communication conjointe envoyée au Gouvernement de la Tunisie à propos du harcèlement administratif et judiciaire, de l’arrestation et la détention de défenseurs des droits humains depuis 2024, en particulier ceux qui sont engagés dans la protection des droits des migrants et dans l’élimination de toutes formes de discrimination.

A close-up portrait of Nigerien human rights defender and journalist Moussa Tiangari standing in front of greenery. He is wearing glasses and a white and grey checkered shirt. Credit: DW

Ce qui suit est basé sur une communication conjointe envoyée au Gouvernement du Niger à propos de la détention arbitraire de Moussa Tiangari au Niger et des poursuites judiciaires à son encontre depuis 2015.

The flag of Tunisia flying in the wind under a blue sky

Ce qui suit est basé sur une communication conjointe envoyée au Gouvernement tunisien à propos des condamnations, des accusations et de la détention de l’avocate et défenseuse des droits humains Sonia Dahmani.

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