The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday urged the European Union (EU) and its member states to stop "pushbacks, collective expulsions and the use of violence" against migrant groups and refugees at borders.

The Geneva-based organization made the appeal in a statement after receiving documented reports that indicated several forms of brutality against migrants at the EU's external land and maritime borders.

Eugenio Ambrosi, IOM Chief of Staff, condemned the incidents, saying that "the use of excessive force and violence against civilians is unjustifiable."

The IOM reminded that these actions were prohibited even under EU law.

As proofs of brutality continue to come, sometimes in the form of direct testimony or photographs, the IOM called for better "migration and asylum policy and governance."

It also said it supports the establishment of an "independent border monitoring mechanism, working closely with" the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. The mechanism was suggested previously by the European Commission. 

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