Invasive Genital Searches and Illegal Deportations: The Reality for Asylum-seekers at EU Borders

Refugees attempting to cross EU borders have reported experiencing invasive and degrading genital searches during pushbacks. Interviews with refugees, legal experts, and NGOs, as well as internal documents from Frontex, the EU's border and coastguard agency, reveal a pattern of abusive practices aimed at humiliating asylum seekers and deterring them from making future attempts. The searches involve forced undressing and invasive touching of breasts and genitals, often conducted by masked men who are part of the border guard systems. These practices violate human rights and may constitute prohibited collective expulsion and inhuman and degrading treatment.