UNHCR calls for further EU action on refugees

The United Nations refugee agency on Friday called on the European Union (EU) to do more on refugees.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday said the decision of the European Council to relocate 40,000 people in need of international protection and to resettle 20,000 refugees as "an important step along the way to finding answers to this crisis."

Meanwhile, UNHCR said that clearly much more will have to be done, including addressing root causes.

According to the agency, on the agreed relocation of 40,000 people in clear need of international protection, the participation of all member states will be key to success.

These measures will need to be expanded to address current needs, as well as the fact that an increased proportion of sea arrivals are now taking place in Greece, the agency said.

UNHCR said this initiative can help to alleviate some pressure on Italy and Greece, but also needs to be accompanied by a better functioning of the Dublin system.

On the proposal for EU-wide resettlement of 20,000 refugees, UNHCR urged EU member states to make concrete commitments towards this goal, beyond existing resettlement quotas.

The UN refugee agency also called on member states to offer other legal avenues for people in need of international protection, including a more effective, timely and consistent application of family reunification procedures, as put forward in the European Commission's European Agenda on Migration.

UNHCR has long recognized the importance of return programs for people not in need of international protection to preserve the integrity of asylum systems and, in this regard, notes that such policies should be implemented in line with fundamental rights and the principle of non-refoulement.

While the European Council acknowledged the necessity for cooperation with countries of origin, first asylum/transit, root causes need to be tackled.

In the context of forced displacement, finding political solutions to conflicts and human rights violations, together with increasing development cooperation, are critically needed.

Furthermore, major humanitarian operations such as Syria and Central African Republic are dramatically underfunded. Through more targeted assistance, including development initiatives, the resilience and self-reliance of refugees and internally displaced populations could be strengthened, allowing them to live their lives with hope and dignity.

UNHCR said it stands ready to collaborate with EU member states and EU institutions, as well as other partners to show strong commitment and leadership in supporting and building on these measures. Endit