OR RuvendriniAssistant High Commissioner for them, visited Greece last week where he met, among other things, with the Minister of Migration and Asylum.
“The Vima” has asked his UNHCR No. 2 of his Refugees to convey her findings and to explain the ideological adjustments that take place in the treatment of refugees.
What are your findings from your trip to Greece, and in particular from your visit to Crete?
“Overall, the mission was fruitful and confirmed the commitment of the High Commissioner to cooperate with the authorities, civil society and refugees to ensure the protection of the people who are forced to escape as well as to meet the challenges of mixed flows.
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In Crete, I was impressed by the tireless dedication of the local authorities and the Coast Guard. And I welcome the designs for more appropriate hosting structures. As a refugee from Sudan (today nationality with the most arrivals in Crete) shared, their journey dictated by the need for security: “The situation was so unbearable that we would make this trip whatever the difficulties we would face in Europe.”
What are your conclusions about the state of refugees in Greece?
“It is clear that Greece, as an EU external border, faces challenges, but has developed strong systems to determine who needs protection and who do not. We are ready to work with the authorities on practical solutions that combine border management with respect for international legal obligations.
The role of civil society, as it emerged in our discussions, is valuable and complements the state institutions. These combined efforts also create the conditions for what refugees have emphasized that they want more: to be self -sufficient. But this cannot be achieved from day to day. Their support with language learning and employment opportunities will allow them to rebuild their lives and contribute to Greek society. “
Greece stopped processing asylum applications for three months. Did you discuss it with the Minister of Migration and Asylum Mr. Plevris?
“Yes, we discussed it with the minister. As you know, the High Commissioner has expressed concern about the measure. However, I was encouraged to see that there were exceptions for people from countries producing refugees, such as Sudan, Eritrea and South Sudan. This is a positive step that shows that Greece intends to meet its commitments to protect refugees. “
The High Commissioner has recently appeared positive to centers in third countries where asylum seekers will remain until their application is examined by European countries. This seems like a great ideological change.
“It does not fully capture what the HR has transferred to recent updates, and it is really useful to clarify it. Governments face challenges to return those whose asylum applications are finalized. The YA has always supported the need for a rapid return of failed asylum seekers, as this helps maintain the credibility of the asylum system for those who really need protection. Some states are currently discussing return centers and transport arrangements. These are two different issues.
In terms of return centers, the YA has recently issued guidelines for effective return systems and the concept of such centers for rejected asylum seekers, including the principles that must govern their creation and the potential role of HR in them.
As for the transfers of applicants and refugees to third countries, I would like to be clear that the HR does not promote them. However, we know that some states are negotiating agreements. That is why we have issued guidelines that clarify the securities and the conditions required to respect such initiatives to respect the principles of international protection. “
President Trump’s US is questioning the contract for refugees, arguing that every country should do whatever it wants. Are you worried that the trend will spread to the West, where far -right parties mimic Trump?
“The High Commissioner is ready to work together constructively with the states to meet common challenges. We emphasize that countries can manage their borders and at the same time comply with the obligation to protect people who escape persecution and conflict. Asylum is not incompatible with national sovereignty. On the contrary, the 1951 Convention was designed to respect the sovereignty and security of the states, while helping countries manage the arrival of people who need protection.
The point now is to maintain asylum for those who are leaving conflict and persecution, to respond to today’s realistic realities, through cooperation between the states and the YA. This means simplifying asylum systems, rapid returns of those who do not need asylum, support for the main refugee reception countries and expanding safe, legal immigration routes to refugees. “
It is last spreading that refugees should only resort to neighboring countries and not “choose” in which country they will go to seek asylum. Is this possible?
“It is often lost in the public debate in the West that 75% of refugees worldwide are housed in medium and low income countries. The contract does not give asylum seekers the right to choose their country asylum. However, they may have legitimate reasons to seek security in a particular country – such as family ties.
In practice, asylum seekers may be returned to a country from which they passed, provided they have access to asylum there, their rights will be respected and there is an official agreement between states regulating such returns. “
How can public opinion be persuaded in Europe to be more receptive to the reception of refugees?
“Although there are concerns about asylum, a global survey we conducted last year showed that 73% support asylum supply to those who escape wars and persecution. Many fears often arise from politicized misinterpretations and not from reality. Europe had 200,000 arrivals last year and just more than 100,000 this year – a manageable, decreasing number.
Improving the effectiveness of asylum systems for those who really need it, the immediate return of those who do not qualify, the expansion of legal paths and the support of refugees in the first host countries can address the concerns expressed in certain circles. “
