The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has addressed its recommendations to the successive Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies of the EU Council in 2021, calling on them to “better protect refugees in Europe and beyond” and to “lead by example” in this regard.
“In a fragile global environment, an EU that saves lives, protects refugees in Europe and globally, and finds solutions to end forced displacement and build resilient societies is needed more than ever”, said Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR Representative for European Affairs.
The recommendations first refer to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is a step in the right direction, and which should first of all allow access to EU territory with fair and fast procedures, but with strong safeguards and recourses.
It is also necessary to insist on predictable solutions for rescues at sea and to increase the control of border operations and possible refoulement practices with the development of Independent National Monitoring Mechanisms. The document further stresses shared solidarity through relocation between Member States, family reunification or resettlement.
Dignified returns for people who wish to return to their country of origin or who are not in need of international protection are equally essential for a viable and well-managed system, the UNHCR says.
With 85% of the world’s refugees in developing countries, the UNHCR is also calling on the EU Presidencies to ensure predictable and flexible financial aid (both development and humanitarian) and overall support to hosting states.
Link to the document: http://bit.ly/3bt8Y5j (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)