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UNHCR welcomes European Commission's proposals on refugee issue

Xinhua, September 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN refugee agency UNHCR on Friday welcomed the European Commission's proposals unveiled last Wednesday to address the current refugee crisis in Europe, adding given the urgency of the situation these proposals need to be implemented fully and swiftly.

"The proposed relocation scheme for 160,000 refugees from Greece, Italy and Hungary would go a long way to address this crisis," William Spindler, UNHCR Spokesperson Friday told press.

Spindler highlighted the relocation scheme can only succeed if it is accompanied by large scale emergency reception, assistance and registration efforts in the countries most impacted by arrivals, particularly Greece, Hungary and Italy.

To support these countries, EU should mobilize its asylum, migration, and civil protection agencies and mechanisms, including the resources of member states, with the support of UNHCR, IOM and civil society.

UNHCR welcomed the reference to opening legal channels for migration and encourages member states to expand these legal avenues for refugees, through enhanced resettlement and humanitarian admission, family reunification, humanitarian visas, and other schemes.

While calling for strong measures to be taken against people traffickers and smugglers, UNHCR insisted that the management of borders needs to be consistent with national, EU and international law, including guaranteeing the right to seek asylum.

The UN refugee agency supported states implementing effective return policies for individuals found not to have a valid protection claim and who cannot benefit from alternative legal means to regularize their stay. These persons should be assisted to return quickly to their home countries, in full respect of their human rights.

UNHCR noted comprehensive response to refugee situations needs diplomacy, political will, and concerted action for the prevention, as well as resolution, of conflicts that force people to move. Greater investment in conflict prevention and resolution as well as durable solutions should therefore form an integral part of Europe's comprehensive approach to addressing forced displacement.

UNHCR said efforts to address the root causes of the refugee crisis should include increased funding for humanitarian assistance to refugees and economic support to hosting countries, most notably around Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Somalia. Endit