European Leaders Call for Unified Asylum Policy Amid Refugee Crisis
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande emphasized the need for a unified European asylum policy in response to the influx of refugees entering the continent. The two leaders stressed that all member states of the European Union must implement the common right of asylum, including registration and minimum standards for accommodation and healthcare. They also called for joint efforts to establish registration centers and provide staff in Greece and Italy, which serve as the primary gateway for asylum-seekers and refugees arriving from the Mediterranean.
Key Takeaways:
- Merkel and Hollande urged European Union member states to implement the common right of asylum, including registration and minimum standards for accommodation and healthcare.
- The two leaders called for common European standards for the repatriation of refugees and the definition of safe countries of origin.
- They emphasized the need for a fair distribution of those who have been granted a residence permit in the EU.
- The European Union is struggling to manage the influx of refugees, with over 4,400 migrants rescued off the Libyan coast in a single operation.
- So far this year, more than 2,300 people have died attempting to reach Europe by boat, according to the International Organization for Migration.
- Italy has seen an influx of over 104,000 migrants since January from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Statistics:
- 4,400 migrants were rescued off the Libyan coast on Saturday as part of the EU's Triton rescue mission.
- Over 2,300 people have died attempting to reach Europe by boat so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration.
- Italy has received over 104,000 migrants since January from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
- Last year, Italy saw an influx of over 170,000 people.
Sources:
- Xinhua News Agency (Aug 24, 2015)
Citation: "German, French Leaders Call for Joint Efforts on Immigration".