Over 3,100 irregular migrants pushed back in Aegean Sea in 2022

By Huseyin Bagis

IZMIR, Turkiye (AA) - As many as 3,185 irregular migrants were pushed back by Greek forces since the beginning of this year, according to data compiled from the Turkish Coast Guard.

Turkish Coast Guard teams rescued the migrants between Jan. 1 and March 18, and recovered the bodies of three other migrants, the data showed.

Last year, Turkish teams rescued a total of 1,518 irregular migrants between Jan. 1 and March 30.

The Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkiye, a state-backed body, is preparing a report on Greece’s human rights violations in the Aegean Sea.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Dilek Erturk, a member of the rights group, said for the report they conducted interviews with 35 irregular migrants who were rescued after being pushed back.

Noting that the report will become a reference point at national and international platforms, Erturk said: “We have encountered intense human rights violations due to pushbacks."

Stating that it will be released to the public soon, she said:“We will forward it to the relevant institutions of our state, the Presidency, the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the European Court of Human Rights.”

“It will also be a reference document for migrants who have the opportunity to apply to the court for violations of their rights,” she added.

Turkiye has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The Turkish government and human rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece’s illegal practice of pushing back asylum seekers, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

Turkiye already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any other country in the world, and is taking new security measures on its borders to humanely prevent a fresh influx of migrants.