Legal Centre Lesvos - Criminalization of facilitation at the borders of the European Union

Speakers Lorraine Leete Coordinator and Ozan Mirkan Balpetek Advocacy and Communication Coordinator Legal Centre Lesvos Moderation Dr Latife Aky z EUV Abstract Anti smuggling laws throughout the EU were first established in order to protect the rights of migrants subjected to smuggling operations and avoid their criminalization before during and after their journey to seek asylum and a safe haven At the same time these laws also involve humanitarian assistance to migrants shielding people and communities who assist and help migrants from being treated as criminals as well However in bad faith these laws have been utilized today to act exactly opposite to their origin being used as a weapon of deterrence and criminalization towards migrants humanitarian aid and political activity on border crossings As Fortress Europe grows with the security and military budget of EU border management skyrocketing visibility and space for people who seek shelter and people who are in solidarity with the