Christian Group statement: Return at what cost? Christian Group flags Human rights at risk in EU return policies
30 April 2026
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe, together with six other Christian organisations representing Churches and faith-based agencies across Europe, has issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the European Parliament’s position on the proposed EU Return Regulation.
The statement warns that the direction taken risks undermining human dignity, fundamental rights, and essential legal safeguards, calling instead for policies grounded in justice, compassion, and respect for every person.
Since the European Commission first introduced its proposal in March 2025, the signatory organisations have raised concerns about a growing emphasis on forced returns over voluntary ones, alongside an increasingly punitive and security-driven approach to migration. According to the statement, this shift risks normalising immigration detention, by means of its expansion, and further eroding protection for people on the move, with whom JRS Europe network works daily.
Key Concerns
JRS Europe and the signatory organisations highlight several critical elements in the European Parliament’s position:
- Expansion of detention practices
- Undermining voluntary return
- Weakening of legal safeguards
- Insufficient independent monitoring
- Risk of establishing “return hubs” outside Europe
- Neglect of alternatives to return
- Intrusive enforcement measures
A Call to Uphold Human Dignity
Grounded in Christian values, the signatory organisations call on European decision-makers to reconsider the current direction of negotiations. We emphasise that migration policies must not come at the expense of fundamental rights, democratic standards, and shared European values.
At a time of growing polarisation, we urge leaders to choose approaches that foster inclusion, protect the most vulnerable, and strengthen social cohesion.
As negotiations continue, the message remains clear: legislative changes must not come at the cost of human dignity.