UNHCR calls for European ‘new chapter for refugee protection’

The UN refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Tuesday called Portugal and Slovenia to lead the effort to forge a better protection system for those seeking refuge across the continent and beyond. Portugal assumes the presidency of the European Union (EU) and Slovenia follows later this year.

Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR’s Representative for EU Affairs, also called for reform to be central during negotiations over a new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. He highlighted the importance of “an EU that saves lives, protects refugees in Europe and globally, and finds solutions to end forced displacement and build resilient societies is needed more than ever”.  

To this end, the UN agency recommended that the EU Presidency propose predictable, principled and solidarity-focused measures. We need a rights-based and sustainable asylum system.  

Relocation or Return sponsorship: EU shares Migration responsibility

They also stressed the need to address root causes of forced displacement and irregular migration. We need to revitalize political and financial support in countries and regions, where most of those forcibly displaced people live. “We hope that 2021 will be a new chapter for refugee protection, with the EU showing leadership in Europe and globally”, said Mr. Vargas Llosa. UNHCR hopes the proposed EU Pact will be adopted quickly. It includes enhancing search and rescue operations and ensures predictable disembarkation. 

“As negotiations on the EU Pact continue, we trust that EU Member States will seize the opportunity to lead by example and better protect people seeking asylum in Europe”, said Mr. Vargas Llosa.  

More asks

UNHCR encouraged the presidencies to explore avenues for progress on issues. Solidarity, border procedures and advocate for fair and fast asylum procedures for international protection. Dignified returns for those who wish to return to their countries of origin. Predictable solidarity mechanisms for States that receive a disproportionate number of asylum claims. 

With 85 per cent of the world’s refugees living in developing countries, UNHCR is also calling on the EU presidencies to ensure predictable, flexible, development, together with humanitarian-based financial aid, as well as support to host States, including strengthening asylum systems.  

The New Pact for Migration and Asylum

EU countries that do not want to transfer refugees to their territory would be given the option to sponsor returns of those without a right to stay instead; MEPs wondered what will happen if most member states opt for the latter. There were also questions raised about the enforcement mechanisms to ensure the new rules are effectively applied.

Renewed action plan

Against the backdrop that fewer people might undertake dangerous journeys if countries demonstrated greater commitment to resettlement and family reunification. UNHCR welcomed the European Commission’s renewed Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion, 2021-27. 

“The 2021 EU Presidencies have a pivotal role to facilitate discussions that pave the way to a common and workable EU asylum system that protects people fleeing war and persecution”, said the UNHCR Representative.

EU Action Plan to share responsibility for migrants