Effect of migration policies on human rights in the European Neighbourhood

Cooperation with third states constitutes an important pillar of the EU’s migration policy. This study analyses the extent to which the cooperation between the EU and its neighbouring countries has had an impact on the protection of the rights of migrants and refugees in the respective countries. It gives a general overview of the state national migration policies and legislation in the Eastern and Western European neighbourhood and the Western Balkan states. Three case studies on Georgia, Kosovo and Lebanon illustrate further the country specific situation of migrants and refugees and provide for a detailed analysis of the effect that EU engagement has had on the protection of human rights. The study concludes by offering a set of recommendations to encourage the EU to move the debate on future cooperation with neigbouring states on migration issues in a more migrants’ rights centred direction that is in compliance with the principles of the rule of law, good governance, democracy and human rights.