HRW criticizes Bulgaria treatment of refugees

An international human rights organization has strongly criticized the Bulgarian government’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned in a report on Tuesday that Sofia should stop the forceful expulsion of Syrians and other refugees, as well as end reported abuses against asylum seekers.

“Bulgarian border police have been summarily and forcibly expelling third country nationals to Turkey without giving them the opportunity to seek asylum,” HRW said.

The organization has called on the government in Sofia to “end summary expulsions…stop beatings, use of electric shocks, and other abuses against migrants at the border with Turkey.”

Bulgaria has recently stepped up measures to stop asylum seekers from entering the country through the border with Turkey.

The United Nations’ refugee agency has also urged European Union countries in January to stop returning asylum seekers to Bulgaria, as they face inhumane conditions in the east European country.

Bulgarian authorities have been criticized for not providing essential services such as food and healthcare. In addition, Bulgarian officials arbitrarily detain migrants and delay their registration.

The number of people arriving to Bulgaria has risen in recent months, with a greater influx of people from Syria. Last year, more than 9,000 people fled to Bulgaria, up from an average of 1,000 in the previous six years.