Brussels, 09/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - The EU should very swiftly convene an international humanitarian conference on the Syrian refugee crisis, in order to consider as a matter of priority how to help the host countries which are coming under increasing pressure - 3.5 million refugees will have left Syria by the end of the year, according to UN estimates - and it should also play its part by allowing refugees safe entry to Europe and access to fair asylum procedures, the European Parliament says in a resolution adopted on Wednesday 9 October.
This conference should explore ways to help the countries bordering Syria (Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq) and help them keep their borders open to all Syrian refugees. It should also focus on humanitarian aid and on strengthening the role and involvement of the EU in diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict in Syria to an end, MEPs say.
Commissioner Michel Barnier, speaking for the European Commission, said he supported the idea of holding such a conference, just as he declared himself supportive of increased solidarity with the European countries facing a growing influx of Syrian refugees. “The answer is certainly not to close our national borders, turning in on ourselves or barricading the doors, but it is in more Europe”, he said.
The EU was called on to continue its humanitarian aid with the same level of generosity. Member states should examine all EU existing laws and procedures to provide safe entry into the EU to temporarily admit Syrians fleeing their country, says Parliament, welcoming the general consensus among EU member states that Syrian nationals should not be returned. Refugees should have “access to fair and efficient asylum procedures” in the EU, add MEPs, reiterating the need for more solidarity among member states with those facing particular pressure to receive refugees.
Parliament points out that “member states are required to come to the assistance of migrants at sea”, and calls on those which have failed to abide by their international obligations to stop turning back boats with migrants on board. It encourages EU countries to make full use of money to be made available from the asylum and migration fund and the preparatory action to “enable the resettlement of refugees during emergency situations”. Parliament encourages EU countries “to address acute needs through resettlement” and through humanitarian admission.
The possible influx of refugees into EU member states requires “responsible measures”, say MEPs. They call on the member states and the EU Commission to work on contingency planning, including the possibility of applying the 2001 Temporary Protection Directive, “if and when conditions demand it”. (AN/transl.fl)