Regarding legalisation of push-backs in Lithuania

On 25 April 2023, the Lithuanian Parliament adopted amendments to the Law on State
Border and its Protection, allowing for pushbacks of irregular border-crossers under a state of emergency declared due to mass influx of irregular migrants. The amendments also introduce a figure of state-funded civil “supporter” to the Lithuanian Border Guard entitled to use violent measures against the border-crossers. NGO “I Want to Help Refugees” considers this a dangerous move towards neglecting the right to asylum through legalising pushbacks and introducing paramilitary functions in border protection.
Importantly, crossing the border in an irregular way does not annul the right to asylum: pushbacks are not allowed under the EU law and international conventions.
“I Want to Help Refugees” joined the recent call on the Lithuanian Parliament by NGOs and academics in several EU countries not to approve the amendments. We will also support the call on Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda no to promulgate the law. Let’s protect the right to asylum!

This announcement is made by the NGO “I Want to Help Refugees” as part of the project “Human
rights for all” supported by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants.