The European Parliament’s joint report revising the European Union’s rules on victims’ rights has faced backlash from human rights organizations for its failure to provide adequate protection for undocumented migrant victims. The Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) and over 50 other organizations, including Amnesty International, La Strada International, and Victim Support Europe, have expressed concerns about the EU’s approach to shielding undocumented migrants from immigration enforcement when reporting crimes such as rape, theft, and labor exploitation.
While the revised rules introduce several improvements, such as allowing third parties to report abuse to the police on behalf of undocumented individuals and ensuring that individuals held in immigration detention centers can report abuse from any place of detention, advocates argue that these measures fall short of providing comprehensive protection.
The updated regulations prohibit police from sharing data related to a victim’s migration status with immigration enforcement until the completion of the criminal proceeding. However, human rights groups argue that this partial shield is insufficient, as it does not guarantee protection from immigration consequences, including detention and deportation, beyond the duration of the criminal case.
Michele LeVoy, director of PICUM, emphasized the importance of ensuring that undocumented individuals can report abuse without facing any immigration consequences. LeVoy expressed regret that the European Parliament did not take a bolder stance in this regard, stating, “We are disappointed that the European Parliament did not seize this opportunity to ensure that undocumented migrants can report crime without fear of immigration enforcement consequences, including detention and deportation.”
Suzanne Hoff, coordinator of La Strada International, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for equal access to support for all victims of crime, regardless of their residence status. Hoff highlighted the limitations of safe reporting protection, particularly after criminal proceedings are completed, and called for the Council to further strengthen the rules.
As discussions continue, human rights advocates urge policymakers to prioritize the rights and safety of migrant victims, ensuring that they receive the support and protection they need without fear of immigration consequences. The push for comprehensive protection aims to create an environment where all victims feel empowered to report crimes and seek justice without fear of retaliation or deportation.