The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees sounded the alarm regarding the refugee situation in Greece after several EU member states shut their borders.
Interior ministers of the European Union adopted on Monday the first proposal of the European Commission for the relocation of 40,000 refugees from Italy and Greece, the EU announced.
“This is an important political message. Indeed, the first relocations of people in need of international protection can start quickly. At the same time, the “hotspots” in Italy and Greece now have the necessary legal basis to start working,” Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg’s Minister for Immigration and Asylum and president of the EU Council said, adding however that the country of relocation has only agreed to accommodate 34,000 refugees.
Concerning the second EC proposal to relocate 120,000 refugees from Greece, Italy and Hungary, which was presented last week, the Council only agreed on principle. The proposal will be discussed anew in the next meeting of EU interior ministers on October 8.
“For our proposal on 120,000 we did not have the agreement we wanted,” EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said, noting that member-states agreed in their majority, but there was no unanimity.
UNHCR is deeply disappointed that although a majority of Member States were in agreement with a wider relocation proposal involving 120,000 people, a final consensus on this could not be reached. Decisive agreement is needed without further delay to address the needs, as is bold action based on solidarity from all Member States. Relocation of increased numbers beyond the 40,000 could start to be implemented with countries that have expressed support. To succeed, relocation has then to be accompanied by large-scale emergency reception, assistance and registration efforts in the countries most impacted by arrivals, particularly Greece, Hungary and Italy.
A positive development in the Presidency conclusions is the support to Greece in reception and asylum, which is critical for the success of the relocation programme. In addition, UNHCR is pleased to see the inclusion of support for affected countries in the Western Balkans to implement their obligations in relation to people in need of international protection. Special support is needed for Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to support efforts to assist refugees.
We welcome the announcement of increased support by the EU and Member States to UNHCR to respond to the needs of refugees in countries neighbouring Syria. The vast majority of Syrian refugees are hosted by these countries. Efforts are needed to address 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.
Saving lives of refugees and migrants at sea continues to be a critical priority, as brought home by several boat tragedies over the past few days including this morning off Kos where it’s reported that at least 13 people have lost their lives. In this context, UNHCR welcomes the commitment to further strengthen Frontex sea operations.
More asylum seekers lose their lives in Greek waters
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