Platform for Undocumented Migrants (PICUM)’s Post

🚨 NEW 🚨 Across the EU, people continue to be criminalised simply for crossing borders or for helping others in need. Our new report is out today. Between January and December 2024, we found that at least 142 people faced judicial proceedings in the EU for helping migrants. The majority were charged with facilitation of entry, stay or transit or migrant smuggling. What they actually did was rescuing people at sea, offering food, water or clothing, or protesting against state abuse. In parallel, we found at least 91 migrants being criminalised themselves simply because they steered a boat or drove a vehicle across a border, or helped fellow travellers. These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported or never make it to the public eye. And things are likely to get worse. A new EU Directive on migrant smuggling, currently under negotiation in the European Parliament, leaves the door open to the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance and could expand the grounds for criminalising migrants. We won't stay silent. On the contrary, we're working with other NGOs and allies to make sure that migration and solidarity are never criminalised. And to build a Europe where solidarity and kindness are celebrated instead. Help us spread the word ❤️ 📖 Read our full report on https://lnkd.in/d-i8Z4QV