New reports have shed light on troubling allegations involving Croatian police burning asylum seekers’ phones and passports as part of a strategy to deter migrants attempting to enter the European Union (EU). Asylum seekers crossing into Croatia from Bosnia and Herzegovina report that officers confiscate and set fire to their personal belongings, including phones and passports. This has left many unable to prove their identities or seek legal assistance, exacerbating their vulnerability and hindering their chances of receiving asylum. Human rights groups and humanitarian organizations have raised serious concerns about these actions, which some view as part of a larger pattern of abuse at the EU’s borders.
The violence faced by these migrants is not just limited to property destruction. Testimonies from survivors highlight frequent incidents of violent pushbacks by Croatian authorities. Asylum seekers recount how they have been beaten and forced to walk back to Bosnia with serious injuries, some requiring months to recover. Despite this, the Croatian Ministry of Interior continues to deny allegations, dismissing numerous reports of abuse over the past few years. The European Commission’s silence on these issues has also drawn criticism, with calls for independent investigations growing louder as the evidence of abuse mounts.
Rising Reports of Border Mistreatment
According to multiple reports from humanitarian organisations, the practice of Croatian police burning asylum seekers’ phones and passports is not an isolated event. Migrants from countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Syria have described their encounters with Croatian border police as violent and inhumane. In many instances, phones were taken to prevent migrants from documenting the abuse, while passports and other identification documents were burned, leaving the migrants without any means to move forward or return home. These actions violate international refugee laws, which guarantee the right to seek asylum and prohibit the destruction of essential personal documents.
In addition to burning their belongings, migrants report being subjected to violent pushbacks, in which they were forcibly returned to Bosnia. They describe being beaten by police officers, sometimes with batons, and then driven to the border, where they were left without food, shelter, or any way to continue their journey. This pattern of abuse and intimidation has prompted widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and legal experts, who argue that Croatia’s actions violate both EU and international law.
International Response
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called on the European Union to intervene and investigate the allegations of Croatian police burning asylum seekers’ phones and passports. These groups have documented multiple instances where Croatian authorities have allegedly used excessive force and illegal tactics to prevent migrants from entering the EU. They are urging the EU to hold Croatia accountable for its actions and ensure that all asylum seekers are treated with dignity and respect, in line with international standards.
Despite mounting evidence, Croatian authorities have denied the allegations, claiming that their border police are acting within the bounds of the law. However, humanitarian groups are continuing to gather testimonies and evidence to push for an independent investigation into these serious human rights abuses. As the situation escalates, pressure is mounting on the EU to address these violations and ensure that the rights of asylum seekers are upheld across its member states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of burning asylum seekers’ phones and passports?
The destruction of phones and passports by Croatian police is significant because it prevents asylum seekers from proving their identity, communicating with legal aid, and documenting potential abuses. Without these vital tools, migrants are left vulnerable and unable to seek asylum or return home, trapping them in legal limbo.
Why are these actions by Croatian police considered illegal?
The actions of burning asylum seekers’ phones and passports and violent pushbacks violate international human rights laws, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, which guarantees the right to seek asylum and prohibits the destruction of personal documents. These practices also breach EU regulations regarding the humane treatment of migrants.
What has been the international reaction to these reports?
Human rights organisations have condemned the alleged actions of Croatian police burning asylum seekers’ phones and passports, calling for an EU-led investigation. Many are pushing for accountability and stronger oversight of border enforcement practices to ensure that the rights of asylum seekers are protected.