[112] REFUGEE CRISIS (01):
UN calls for full, swift implementation of European proposals for
refugee crisis
UN calls for full, swift implementation of European proposals for
refugee crisis
Fonte:
ONU; UN News Centre; 11 September 2015
Migrants and asylum-seekers, mostly Syrian Kurds, sit
in the yard outside a schoolhouse-turned-reception centre, known as Vrazhdebna,
on the outskirts of the Bulgarian capital Sofia. Photo: Jodi Hilton/IRIN
11 September 2015 – The United Nations refugee agency today welcomed the
European Commission’s proposals unveiled last Wednesday to address the current
refugee crisis in Europe, adding that given the urgency of the situation, these
proposals need to be implemented fully and swiftly.
“The proposed relocation scheme for
160,000 refugees from Greece, Italy and Hungary would go a long way to address
this crisis,” William Spindler, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said during a press briefing in Geneva.
“Our initial estimates indicate even
higher needs, but the focus must now be on ensuring that all Member States take
part in this initiative, and that it is swiftly implemented. When relocating
them, refugees’ needs, preferences and specific qualifications should be taken
into account to the extent possible,” he added.
UNHCR said the relocation scheme can
only succeed if it is accompanied by large-scale emergency reception,
assistance and registration efforts in the countries most impacted by arrivals,
particularly Greece, Hungary and Italy. To support these countries, it
underlined that the EU should mobilize its asylum, migration, and civil
protection agencies and mechanisms, including the resources of member States,
with the support of UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
and civil society.
“When disembarking in Europe or
entering the European Union, refugees must find a welcoming environment and
immediate response to their basic needs,” Mr. Spindler stated.
UNHCR also welcomed the reference to
opening legal channels for migration and encouraged member States to expand
these legal avenues for refugees, through enhanced resettlement and
humanitarian admission, family reunification, humanitarian visas, and other
schemes. With more legal alternatives to reach safety in Europe, the agency
said fewer people in need of international protection will be forced to resort
to smugglers and undertake dangerous irregular journeys.
Meanwhile, while calling for strong
measures to be taken against people traffickers and smugglers, UNHCR insisted
that the management of borders needs to be consistent with national, EU and
international law, including guaranteeing the right to seek asylum.
Mr. Spindler further underlined that
UNHCR supports States implementing effective return policies for individuals
found not to have a valid protection claim and who cannot benefit from
alternative legal means to regularise their stay.
“These persons should be assisted to
return quickly to their home countries, in full respect of their human rights,”
he stated.
UNHCR added it is pleased to see a
reference in the Commission’s proposals to the critical need to address the
root causes of forced displacement around the world.
“A comprehensive response to refugee
situations needs diplomacy, political will, and concerted action for the
prevention, as well as resolution, of conflicts that force people to move,” the
spokesperson continued. “Greater investment in conflict prevention and
resolution as well as durable solutions should therefore form an integral part
of Europe’s comprehensive approach to addressing forced displacement.”
In addition, efforts to address the
root causes of the refugee crisis should include increased funding for
humanitarian assistance to refugees and economic support to hosting countries,
most notably around Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Somalia, he stated.
UNHCR reported it is already ramping
up its capacity in all countries affected by the current refugee flows and said
it is ready to fully support all measures by the European Union in effectively
responding to the present crisis.
News
Tracker: past stories on this issue
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário