Council of Europe warns Denmark on human rights risks of EU deportation centers

The Council of Europe has issued a stark warning to Denmark regarding the potential human rights violations associated with the European Union's plans for external deportation centers. Denmark is among several EU nations actively pursuing the establishment of these facilities outside the bloc's borders to process asylum seekers and individuals without legal residency.

Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, sent a letter to Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Greece, highlighting significant risks. These include the potential for mistreatment and arbitrary detention. The Council emphasizes the need for robust safeguards to ensure legal guarantees are respected within these external centers.

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I would like to say to you that the single most concrete political thing I intend to engage in most as Prime Minister is that we get these centers outside of Europe.

This warning follows the European Parliament's recent vote to approve a return regulation, which paves the way for agreements with third countries to host such centers. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has identified establishing centers outside the EU as a top priority for her government.

Despite assurances from Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration Morten Bødskov that EU projects will adhere to international conventions, concerns persist among various European Parliament members regarding legal standards and the enforcement of international agreements. The Council of Europe, an organization separate from the EU with 46 member states, focuses on monitoring democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

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EU projects of this nature naturally comply with the conventions that must be complied with. There is no doubt about that. Therefore, I am happy that there is broad support in the EU for the project.