Border Externalisation: Pullback and Pushback Practices

Abstract

This policy brief builds upon the RLI Declaration on Externalisation and Asylum, and it outlines the legal implications of pushbacks and pullbacks in the context of externalisation. Pushbacks and pullbacks raise serious legal and ethical concerns and often bypass established legal and humanitarian safeguards. Key challenges include unclear jurisdiction responsibility, minimal transparency, and weak enforcement, all of which contribute to systemic and persistent violations. Urgent reforms are needed to strengthen accountability mechanisms, enhance transparency, and ensure the protection of fundamental rights–essential for aligning with legal commitments under human rights and refugee law.