As we head into winter, stabilization and proper and comprehensive management of Europe’s refugee and migrant situation remains urgently needed.
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Hundreds of Iranian migrants are being prohibited from crossing the Greece-Macedonia border.
At least five Iranians powering through a hunger strike near the Greek border village of Idomemi sutured their mouths Monday to protest the Macedonian government’s decision to no longer accept “economic migrants” from Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Rights groups have questioned the policy, warning asylum should be granted on merit, not on the basis of nationality.
“Instead of collective discrimination at borders, European Union member states Slovenia and Croatia and candidate countries Serbia and Macedonia should coordinate to ensure that everyone can present their asylum claims and that people are not trapped at borders amid worsening weather”.
“Some European border guards’ inappropriate treatment of refugees and asylum seekers seeking entry into these countries does not comply with the recognized principles of refugees’ rights and human rights”, the unnamed official said.
Macedonia toughened rules for crossings earlier this month, in the wake of the deadly Paris attacks, restricting access to citizens from countries typically granted asylum in Europe, including Syria and Afghanistan. The Balkans fear migrants may end up stranded on their territory if they are not allowed to continue their journey.
Nationals of other countries are being stopped, leading to protests by about 200 people, mainly Iranians, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis, with some on hunger strike, Mr Edwards said.
Peter Sutherland, United Nations special representative of the secretary general for International Migration and Development, reflects on Europe’s future amid growing anti-migrant sentiment.
UNHCR had no information on whether the border curbs were linked to security fears over reports that one of the Islamic State militants who attacked Paris on November 13, killing 130 people, may have entered Europe posing as a migrant. The police agency also says people moving about in border regions should also carry proof of their identity.
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“Unless there’s a further harmonization of these standards, people will go where they get support”, Muiznieks said.
