European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has condemned chants of “send them back” directed at migrants by members of the assembly, prompting a sharp response from human rights advocates.
The Parliamentary Incident
In June, a group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) chanted “send them back” as the body moved toward a vote on the Return Regulation. The regulation is aimed at increasing deportations of undocumented people.
The chants prompted immediate pushback from other lawmakers in the chamber, who responded with cries of “shame on you.” President Roberta Metsola subsequently denounced the behavior, signaling that such language is considered inconsistent with the standards of the institution.
Amnesty International’s Response
Amnesty International, represented by Deputy Regional Director for Europe Dinushika Dissanayake, characterized the incident as the manifestation of “long-standing racism and xenophobia” that has become increasingly visible in public discourse.
According to Dissanayake, the rhetoric used by these members risks “inciting discrimination against racialized people.” The organization argues that political leaders have frequently used migrants and asylum seekers as scapegoats to divert public attention from domestic issues, including the housing crisis, the rising cost of living, and cuts to public services.
Amnesty International has been a vocal critic of the Return Regulation, arguing that the law is “cruel, punitive and driven by detention.” The organization, alongside a coalition of over 250 civil society groups, formally called for the rejection of the measure, asserting that it will push vulnerable populations into legal limbo and dangerous conditions.
Contextualizing the Migration Debate
The European Union’s approach to migration has shifted toward what critics call "externalization," which involves policies aimed at preventing migrants from reaching EU territory or facilitating their rapid return.
| Feature | Perspectives on Return Regulation |
|---|---|
| Proponents | |
| Critics | Argue it prioritizes detention and deportation, disproportionately impacting racialized groups. |
Amnesty International notes that the chanting incident serves as a “warning” regarding the future of EU migration policy. The organization maintains that European institutions must confront the normalization of discriminatory language, citing the continent’s history—including the Holocaust and the legacy of colonialism—as a reason for heightened vigilance against the erosion of minority rights.