The German government’s Human Rights Commissioner, Lars Castellucci, has cautioned against the institutionalization of national border controls within the European Union.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Castellucci acknowledged the importance of maintaining oversight regarding who enters a country and the routes they take. However, he emphasized the danger posed when cooperation on finding shared solutions to irregular migration diminishes. This, he stated, is a source of considerable concern.
Castellucci stressed that measures such as border controls, rejections and the reduction of legal pathways are, at best, temporary solutions. While they can provide a respite for local authorities, they do not address the underlying causes of migration. He argued that the most effective approach involves improving conditions in countries of origin and transit, creating incentives for individuals to remain there. A more restrictive stance, he cautioned, undermines Germany’s credibility when attempting to persuade other nations to collaborate on addressing global displacement and migration challenges.
The Commissioner also voiced support for civil sea rescue organizations operating in areas like the Mediterranean, which regularly assist migrants. He noted that state rescue services, particularly the Italian Coast Guard, are responsible for the majority of migrant rescues at sea. Despite this, deaths continue to occur, influenced by factors like the use of unseaworthy vessels by human traffickers who prioritize profit over human life. Consequently, Castellucci asserted the continued importance of sea rescue operations, including the work of private organizations and deserving of considerable recognition. His appeal comes amidst discussions within the German government regarding potential cuts to financial support for such private rescue entities.