Migrant crisis: “High time for Europe to reclaim a
leading role in human rights” – UN experts
GENEVA (9 October 2015) – Representatives of the largest
body of independent experts* in the United Nations human rights system call on
all European States, in particular the EU and its Member States, to
collectively and individually root their response to the large influx of
asylum-seekers and migrants into their territory, particularly at their
borders, in their human rights obligations.
The human rights experts also urge all Governments across
the world to increase their efforts to accommodate people fleeing conflict or
in need of protection.
“Following the outcome of yesterday’s meeting of the EU
Justice and Home Affairs Council, we welcome the Council’s affirmation that
respect for human rights and for the principle of non-refoulement is an
essential part of a comprehensive EU migration policy.
Asylum-seekers and migrants are all entitled to
protection of their human rights and must be properly and individually assessed
in order to establish their specific protection needs, including as a means to
prevent trafficking and exploitation. Special attention must in this regard be
paid to the particular vulnerability of unaccompanied children.
However, we express concern about the continued focus on
enhancing EU external border protection and increasing return rates of
migrants. The outcome of yesterday’s meeting was a missed opportunity to
adequately address the increased number of irregular migrants arriving in
Europe in order to seek safety. Additionally, the fact that resettlement will
still be made only on a voluntary basis means that only a handful of EU member
states will continue to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the human
rights of migrants and asylum seekers who arrive irregularly.
It is time for Europe to reclaim its role as a true
advocate and political leader of human rights by undertaking concrete steps to
safeguard the human rights of asylum seekers and migrants.
We acknowledge recent decisions of some EU Member States
to admit a significant number of asylum-seekers, and their commitments to
ensure access to their rights. The outpouring of assistance by NGOs, faith
groups and countless individuals has been remarkable.
However, while recognizing the competence of States to
regulate migration into their territories, we call on the EU and its Member
States to show a similar commitment and to ensure that all future decisions,
policies and actions, in this regard, are firmly rooted in international human
rights law.
We expect the EU and its Member States to rise to the
occasion. While acknowledging that countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan
are hosting vast numbers of refugees we also call on all other States - in
Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas - to equally increase their
efforts to accommodate people fleeing conflict or otherwise in need of
protection.
Europe has played an important role in defending the
founding principles of human rights, affirming that all human beings are rights
holders and that all human rights are equal and interdependent. The European
Union and its Member States have saved the lives of many men, women and
children trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Some European States, however,
have chosen to ignore the plight of desperate migrants and asylum-seekers
leading to egregious violations of their human rights.
In light of this, we urge all European States - as well
as States in other regions - to take the steps necessary to uphold the human
rights of migrants and asylum-seekers under all circumstances.
We are very concerned about the many reports of violence
against asylum-seekers and migrants trying to cross borders into European
States. Some asylum seekers and migrants are reportedly being arbitrarily
detained while others are denied access to food, housing, water and sanitation,
and health care.
Such actions constitute a complete disregard for human
dignity, which is at the core of all human rights. Several European States are
dangerously close to breaching and some have already breached their
international and regional human rights obligations.
We strongly condemn the xenophobic speech and actions
taken against asylum-seekers and migrants that are being increasingly reported
from certain European States as well as other parts of the world.
The use of racist and xenophobic language against asylum-seekers
and migrants is truly appalling. It is not only coming from nationalist
populist groups but also from members and even heads of government.
Dehumanizing language that compares migrants and refugees to insects, animals,
natural disasters or criminals is particularly dangerous and alarming.
All leaders in government and civil society must reject
any advocacy for hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination,
hostility or violence, in line with international human rights standards.
We urge all European States to work together to find an
effective and meaningful solution to the current migration crisis, taking place
in the region. The responsibility cannot be left to a few States; every State
must take responsibility for its role in addressing this urgent challenge,
through a collective and well-coordinated process.”
ENDS
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