Brussels, 23/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Amnesty International's report on human rights published on Thursday 23 May reveals that the rights of thousands of migrants and refugees have been violated throughout the world by governments that are more concerned with protecting their borders. The human rights association deplores the fact that thousands of people who have fled conflict and persecution in their countries in search of work and a better life have seen their rights violated. Amnesty International highlights, in particular, the situation of Syrian refugees and their living conditions in neighbouring countries. It says that, throughout the world, countries are more eager to protect their national borders than the rights of their citizens and those of men and women seeking refuge or better opportunities. The organisation also denounces the suffering migrants are forced to endure, including forced labour or violence. It is particularly critical of the EU, which it accuses of applying border controls that endanger the lives of migrants and asylum seekers and failing to guarantee the security of people fleeing conflict and persecution.
On Thursday, Michele Cercone, the spokesperson for Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, who is responsible for this subject, said that the European Commission felt the criticism was “unjustified” and that the EU could be “proud of what has been done”, pointing out that the EU was one of the areas in the world that granted the most international protection with “thousands of people receiving asylum”. Recently, the EU set up a new, common asylum system that is expected to improve refugee reception procedures, explained the spokesperson. Nonetheless, there are a few countries that could be better. Italy is accused by Amnesty of having sent back boats with refugees on board and Cercone admitted that 90% of requests for asylum were now concentrated in 5-6 member states, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. According to Eurostat, there were 332,000 asylum seekers in the EU in 2012. Afghans account for the largest number of asylum seekers (8% of the total), followed by Syrians. 73% of first instance decisions regarding asylum seekers resulted in rejection, while 14% of asylum seekers were granted refugee status, 10% subsidiary protection and 2% leave to remain for humanitarian reasons. (SP/transl.fl)