MePs Saskia Bricmont (Europe) and Simon Moutquin (federal), returning from missions in Zagreb (Croatia) and Bihac (Bosnia and Herzegovina) were able to obtain on-site testimonies confirming suspicions of police violence and "pushback" practices ( to Bosnia by the Croatian authorities.

For the Greens, this humanly unacceptable situation, which is at odds with international law, calls for a strong response from the international community and reminds us of the urgent need for fundamental changes in European asylum policy. The mission was intended to investigate reports by NGOs and UN agencies, pointing out that Croatian police sometimes violently repress people at the border, restricting their right to international protection. During the mission, the Green delegation met with croatian authorities, civil society organizations and representatives of UN agencies, as well as the Croatian mediator. They also visited a reception centre for asylum seekers in Croatia and two refugee camps in the canton of Una-Sana(Bosnia and Herzegovina). A debate on the humanitarian situation of refugees at the EU's external borders will take place in the European Parliament on Wednesday evening. It will be an opportunity for the Green Group in the European Parliament to call for a strong reaction from the Commission to this very worrying situation." Despite the denials of the Croatian authorities, all reports and testimonies converge and confirm the acts of violence and refoulement to Bosnia by the Croatian police despite international law. Nearly 40% of these refoulements are reported to be children. We urge the European Commission to set up a genuine monitoring mechanism independent of respect for fundamental rights at the Croatian border. The Croatian government must allow independent investigations into these cases of violence, far from being isolated cases as it claims, and punish those responsible. Victims must be able to be recognized in their rights in court. Croatia's entry into the Schengen area must be conditional on respect for fundamental human rights," said Saskia Bricmont, MEP. Simon Moutquin, Member of Parliament, adds: "Make no mistake, if the attitude of the Croatian authorities is unacceptable, it is all The Member States, including Belgium, that are responsible for this humanitarian situation on the EU's borders. Rather than taking responsibility and engaging in reform of the Dublin Regulation, states that are not on the front lines leave it to the states at the EU's external borders to prevent the entry of migrants and depriving them of the right to international protection. The humanitarian situation on the Bosnian border is dramatic and reminiscent of what is known in Greece or Italy. Belgium must take responsibility and support a genuine European solidarity policy in the European Council. European capitals can no longer turn a blind eye to abuses at the Croatian border. I call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Goffin, to strongly condemn these practices and to advocate for a European approach that respects human rights. We also call on Minister Maggie De Block to be proactive in setting up a solidarity relocation mechanism, including unaccompanied minors. I will ask them to do that as soon as possible. ».« We welcome the solidarity shown by Croatian and Bosnian citizens towards these refugees, as well as the work of NGOs on the ground who report cases of human rights violations despite intimidation by the authorities. Croatian. We remind you that solidarity is not a crime! conclude Saskia Bricmont and Simon Moutquin.