UNHCR calls for cohesive European response to refugee crisis

The EU’s efforts to resolve the refugee issue unless it reverses its fragmented approach, UN high commissioner for refugees António Guterres said in a statement issued today. Noting that Europe is facing a moment of truth, he said "this is the time to reaffirm the values upon which it was built."

While underlining the exemplary political and moral leadership from a number of European countries, Guterres said “overall, Europe has failed to find an effective common response, and people have suffered as a result.”

Describing it as a crisis, Guterres noted that more than 300,000 people have risked their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea this year and “over 2,600 didn’t survive the dangerous crossing.” 

“The situation requires a massive common effort that is not possible with the current fragmented approach. Europe is facing its biggest refugee influx in decades,” the UNHCR chief said. 

“The only way to solve this problem is for the Union and all member states to implement a common strategy, based on responsibility, solidarity and trust,” he said.

Noting that refugees continue their perilous journey even after reaching Europe, Guterres said “the selfless generosity of private citizens and civil society organisations reaching out to welcome and help the new arrivals is truly inspiring.”

Adding that the crisis primarily concerns refugees, Guterres said that the vast majority of those arriving in Greece come from conflict zones like Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan and “are simply running for their lives.”

The UNHCR chief stressed that all people on the move in these tragic circumstances deserve to see their human rights and dignity fully respected, independently of their legal status.

“But we cannot forget the particular responsibility all states have vis a vis refugees, in accordance with international law. Europe cannot go on responding to this crisis with a piecemeal or incremental approach. No country can do it alone, and no country can refuse to do its part,” he said.

“It is no surprise that, when a system is unbalanced and dysfunctional, everything gets blocked when the pressure mounts.”

Describing the crisis as a “defining moment for the European Union,” Guterres said the bloc has no choice but to mobilise full force around this crisis.

He said Europe needs to take urgent and courageous measures to stabilise the situation and find a way to truly share responsibility.

“The EU must be ready, with the consent and in support of the concerned governments – mainly Greece and Hungary, but also Italy – to put in place immediate and adequate emergency reception, assistance and registration capacity,” Guterres said.

Urging the European Commission to mobilise the EU asylum, migration and civil protection agencies, including the resources of member states and civil society, Guterres said the UNHCR is fully committed to step up its efforts.

He said Europe needs to take urgent and courageous measures to stabilise the situation and find a way to truly share responsibility.

“The EU must be ready, with the consent and in support of the concerned governments – mainly Greece and Hungary, but also Italy – to put in place immediate and adequate emergency reception, assistance and registration capacity,” Guterres said.

“It is essential that refugee families that disembark in Europe after having lost everything are welcomed into a safe and caring environment. People who are found to have a valid protection claim in this initial screening must then benefit from a mass relocation programme, with the mandatory participation of all EU member states,” he added.

Insisting that “solidarity cannot be the responsibility of only a few EU member states,” Guterres said an initial estimate indicates a potential need to increase relocation opportunities to as many as 200,000 places.

He added that people who do not qualify for international protection and who cannot benefit from legal migration opportunities should be helped to return quickly to their home countries, in full respect of their human rights.

“The only ones who benefit from the lack of a common European response are the smugglers and traffickers who are making profit from people’s desperation to reach safety,” he said, calling for more effective international cooperation to crack down on smugglers, including those operating inside the EU.

Yet, in the strong-worded statement, Guterres said none of these efforts will be effective without opening up more opportunities for people to enter Europe legally to Europe.

“Thousands of refugee parents are risking the lives of their children on unsafe smuggling boats primarily because they have no other choice. European countries – as well as governments in other regions – must make some fundamental changes to allow for larger resettlement and humanitarian admission quotas, expanded visa and sponsorship programmes, scholarships and other ways to enter Europe legally.”