UNHCR proposes actions to EU to face migration crisis

The collective failure to apply the measures agreed by the member states of the EU has led to the present escalation of the crisis' considered the entity’s representative, Filippo Grandi.

In this sense, he highlighted the need of a leadership and a strong vision from the leaders of the continent to manage the phenomenon, which still can be achieved if they act adequately.

The spokesperson of UNHCR called the attention to the seriousness of the situation in Greece, where some 30 thousand undocumented persons are trapped that cannot continue their way through Europe due to the closing of borders by the Balkan states and the rest of the region.

He commented that an important part of these persons is sleeping outdoors and do not have access to the basic services of life.

When the figures of arrivals to the so-called old continent this year exceeds 130 thousand, the EU must take concrete measures aimed at finally manage and stabilize the situation, added Grandi.

In the first place, they should apply completely the resettling of applicants of asylum out of Greece and Italy; the nations most affected as through them enter most of the aliens.

A second point proposed is to increase the aid to Athens in face of the present humanitarian emergency and the following refers to guarantee the compliance by all states of the laws and directives standing for asylum in the group of 28.

As fourth recommendation, the UNHCR pointed to the need of providing the legal and sure ways of migration that discourages irregular flows, with measures like the concession of more visas for family reunification, study scholarships or work permits.

Another proposal is to pay special attention to the most vulnerable undocumented people and prioritize, for example, children in general and unaccompanied minors.

This point also includes the display of actions against sexual and gender violence, person-trafficking and to improve the operations by sea to rescue migrants in trouble in order to prevent the loss of lives.

Lastly, the UNHCR advised to develop systems of responsibility for the applicants of asylum in Europe and establish mechanisms so that demands of protection are distributed in an equal way among the member states.

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PL-23/MNA