By the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees

In June 2026, the European Union moved forward with the implementation of the “New Pact on Migration and Asylum.” This pact, presented under the guise of reforming the asylum system, aims to accelerate the processing of asylum applications, strengthen external border controls, prevent ‘illegal’ migration, and combat human trafficking networks.

The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees views these developments with deep concern. We believe these policies are not merely administrative or legal adjustments; they represent a fundamental and devastating shift that strikes at the very heart of the lives, rights, freedoms, and futures of thousands of refugees fleeing war, instability, and political, economic, and social injustice.

We believe these new policies harbour several critical risks:

First: Accelerated Decision-Making on Asylum Cases

Under this system, asylum applications are processed and decided upon with extreme haste. This occurs while many refugees lack adequate access to legal counsel, qualified translators, or the time needed to gather necessary evidence and documentation. In such a climate, a minor error or a lack of documentation can lead to the immediate rejection of a claim, deciding a human being’s fate without the benefit of full justice.

Second: Indirect Detention and Imprisonment of Refugees

According to the new measures, refugees can be detained at border zones or in specialized centres, forced to remain in closed facilities for extended periods. In terms of living conditions and the restriction of movement, these centres often function as prisons. This treatment inflicts severe psychological and social trauma on refugees, fostering fear, distress, and despair—all of which directly contradict the protections intended by international laws and conventions.

Third: The Risk of Forced Returns (Refoulement)

These policies pave the way for the rapid deportation of refugees whose claims have been rejected. In many instances, the countries to which refugees are being returned are still plagued by war, instability, violence, political threats, or systematic human rights violations. Consequently, this policy places the lives of many at grave risk.

Fourth: Restriction of Legal Rights

Under the new system, access to judicial review and the right to appeal decisions are further restricted. In many cases, refugees are granted only a single opportunity to appeal, while access to legal aid is significantly reduced. This undermines the principle of justice and strips refugees of their right to a fair defence.

Fifth: Specific Impacts on Women, Children, and Families

Women, children, and families are among the primary victims of these policies. Confinement in closed centres, the disruption of education, and the constant state of anxiety and instability have a devastating impact on the mental health and developmental growth of children.

Sixth: Deportation to Third Countries

Based on certain proposals, refugees can be sent to ‘safe’ third countries, even if they have no direct connection to them. This poses a massive threat, as legal and social protections in such countries are often weak, leaving the future of refugees in total uncertainty.

Demands of the Federation and the Front for the Protection of Refugee Rights

The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees stands firmly against any policy or law that restricts the rights and human dignity of refugees. We demand:

·       Full protection of the right to asylum in accordance with international laws and treaties.

·       An immediate end to arbitrary detention and the unnecessary holding of refugees.

·       The establishment of a fair, transparent, and humane asylum processing system.

·       The provision of specialized protection for women, children, and families.

·       The creation of safe and legal routes for seeking asylum and humanitarian relocation.

The Call

The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees calls upon all human rights organizations, refugee advocacy groups, labour unions, activists, civil society organizations and all progressive forces to form a united front across Europe. We must stand together to defend refugee rights and confront these unjust anti-refugee policies. We believe that protecting human dignity and the rights of refugees is not solely the responsibility of the refugees themselves, but the shared duty of the entire civilized and humanitarian front.

Under these policies, a refugee does not only risk losing their rights; they risk losing their freedom, their security, and their entire future.