Focus on reducing migrant arrivals to Europe ignores impact of migration policies on people

Published: 2nd March 2017

The European Commission has published a progress report on the EU’s partnership framework with African nations. The deals look at using development aid, trade and other funds to encourage countries to reduce the number of migrants reaching EU shores, and to take back migrants from Europe.

In response, Oxfam’s EU Migration Policy Advisor Raphael Shilhav said:

“The EU and its member states measure the success of European migration policies by simply looking at the number of people arriving to Europe, and the number of those being deported. They completely ignore the impact their policies have on people’s rights, safety and dignity.

“This is a short-sighted approach that does very little in contributing to sustainable development in African countries. Europe is jeopardizing opportunities for a real partnership with Africa in dealing with migration, for the benefit of Europeans and Africans alike.”

Notes to editors

  • Spokespeople for interviews are available.
  • This is the third progress report by the Commission on the EU partnership framework with African countries. On request of the EU member states, it measures the results achieved in terms of arrivals and returns of migrants.
  • The Commission also refers to actions aimed at stopping migration along the Central Mediterranean route. A deal with Libya, which was struck by Italy and which received backing by EU member states in February in the Malta declaration, exposes people to suffering and death.
  • In October 2016, Oxfam has published the media briefing paper “Causing suffering and problems - Europe’s approach to migration”, detailing the various failures of the EU’s migration response.

Contact information

Florian Oel | Brussels | florian.oel@oxfaminternational.org | office +32 2 234 11 15 | mobile +32 473 56 22 60

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