The UN rights chief criticized the EU’s new returns regulation for allowing pre-expulsion detention and the creation of outside-EU return hubs, stressing that member states cannot outsource their human rights obligations.

He warned that detaining and returning vulnerable people, including children, to third countries risks serious human rights violations unless strong legal protections and monitoring are in place.

The regulation expands detention options and enables third-country return centers, while reiterating that the EU cannot delegate its duties to uphold rights to others.

In Parliament, the regulation sailed through with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions, but it awaits formal adoption by the Council before taking effect.

The accompanying report will be updated as new information becomes available.

The piece situates the policy in a broader European trend of tougher immigration stances, noted even as asylum arrivals declined in 2025.

The rule sets conditions for third-country agreements to align with Union Law and mandates respect for human rights, international law, and the principle of non-refoulement, including prohibition of pushbacks.

Türk urged a human-rights-centered approach that acknowledges migrants’ contributions to European society and the economy.

He framed a balanced, rights-based model of migration governance that recognizes migrants’ positive societal and economic roles.

He called for robust monitoring and accountability to safeguard privacy, family life, the best interests of the child, and for individualized assessments and viable appeal options before deportations.

Return procedures must uphold non-refoulement, include individualized assessments, protect private and family life, and consider the child’s best interests.

He urged the EU to exercise due diligence to ensure full compatibility with international human rights and refugee law during implementation.