21/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the World Refugee Day, the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) called on the EU Heads of State and Government meeting in Seville to safeguard asylum in Europe and to focus their discussions on tackling human rights abuses in the countries from which the refugees flee rather than blocking access to Europe for those fleeing persecution. Considering that the governments must "rectify erroneous public perception" of the problem, ECRE General Secretary Peer Baneke said "constructive partnerships with countries of origin and transit are necessary to address root causes of forced displacement and create the conditions for respect of human rights, democracy and the rule of law".