UN Refugee Agency Welcomes European Commission's Proposals to Address Refugee Crisis

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has welcomed the European Commission's proposals to address the current refugee crisis in Europe. The proposals aim to relocate 160,000 refugees from Greece, Italy, and Hungary to other European countries. The relocation scheme is seen as a crucial step in addressing the crisis, but UNHCR emphasizes the need for all Member States to participate and for the scheme to be implemented swiftly. The agency also calls for large-scale emergency reception, assistance, and registration efforts in countries most impacted by arrivals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission's proposals aim to relocate 160,000 refugees from Greece, Italy, and Hungary to other European countries.
  • UNHCR estimates that higher numbers of refugees may be needed, but the focus is on ensuring all Member States participate in the initiative.
  • The relocation scheme should take into account refugees' needs, preferences, and qualifications to the extent possible.
  • The scheme can only succeed if accompanied by large-scale emergency reception, assistance, and registration efforts in countries most impacted by arrivals.
  • UNHCR is calling on the EU to mobilize its asylum, migration, and civil protection agencies and mechanisms to support countries most impacted by the crisis.
  • The agency welcomes the reference to opening legal channels for migration and encourages Member States to expand these legal avenues for refugees.
  • UNHCR emphasizes the need for strong measures to be taken against people traffickers and smugglers while ensuring the management of borders is consistent with national, EU, and international law.

Statistics:

  • 160,000 refugees to be relocated from Greece, Italy, and Hungary
  • UNHCR estimates higher numbers of refugees may be needed
  • The relocation scheme aims to address the current refugee crisis in Europe
  • The crisis is particularly impacting countries like Greece, Hungary, and Italy, with large-scale emergency reception efforts needed

Sources:

  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • AllAfrica Global Media
  • European Commission