The decision of several European countries that are on the route of refugees to continue building barriers to prevent them from crossing borders is a cruelty, he said when speaking at the opening of the 31st Session of the Human Rights Council on Monday.
While noting that the countries where the refugees arrive will face considerable challenges, he said that this is not a reason to consider them as a threat.
More than 110,000 migrants arrived in Europe so far this year, while Greece continues as the main entry point with 102,000 arrivals, recently said the International Organization for Migration. According to the report, until February 18, more than 110,000 undocumented immigrants entered the so-called Old Continent: 102,547 through the Greek coasts and 7,507 through Italy.
On the other hand, 413 people died during the journeys, out of them 321 on the route from Turkey to Greece through the Aegean Sea and 92 in the central Mediterranean, a path used by those who depart from North Africa to Italy.
The 31st Session of the Human Rights Council will conclude on March 24 at the Palais des Nations, the UN venue in this city.
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