The Inside Story Podcast Why does Europe want to restrict migration?
Dec 12, 2025
Michael O'Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights, discusses the potentially damaging effects of proposed changes to the European Convention on Human Rights. Michael McDowell, Irish senator, presents a political viewpoint on the challenges posed by mass migration. Jennifer Nader, co-founder of Compassion in Politics, warns against capitulating to far-right pressures that threaten fundamental rights. Together, they explore how these reforms could transform asylum systems while highlighting the need for protections and evidence-based policies.
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Treaties Struggle With Mass Economic Migration
- Michael McDowell argues post-WW2 refugee treaties don't handle mass economic migration well and blur asylum with migration.
- He says states need clearer tools to distinguish and return unsuccessful applicants to restore system integrity.
Political Motive Behind Tougher Migration Stances
- Jennifer Nader says governments appear to harden migration stances to fend off far-right threats rather than fix systems.
- She calls human rights absolute and warns against weakening them for political convenience.
Caution Against Rushed Treaty Rewrites
- Michael O'Flaherty warns against hasty treaty rewrites and urges evidence-based discussion before changing core rights.
- He stresses political declaration discussions won't equate to wholesale treaty replacement.