UNB, Dhaka :Representatives of the largest body of independent experts in the United Nations human rights system called on all European States, in particular the EU and its Member States, to collectively and individually root their response to the large influx of asylum-seekers and migrants into their territory, particularly at their borders, in their human rights obligations.The human rights experts also urged all governments across the world to increase their efforts to accommodate people fleeing conflict or in need of protection, according to a message received from Geneva on Friday.”Following the outcome of yesterday’s meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, we welcome the Council’s affirmation that respect for human rights and for the principle of non-refoulement is an essential part of a comprehensive EU migration policy,” they said.The experts said, asylum-seekers and migrants are all entitled to protection of their human rights and must be properly and individually assessed in order to establish their specific protection needs, including as a means to prevent trafficking and exploitation. Special attention must in this regard be paid to the particular vulnerability of unaccompanied children.”However, we express concern about the continued focus on enhancing EU external border protection and increasing return rates of migrants.”The outcome of yesterday’s meeting was a missed opportunity to adequately address the increased number of irregular migrants arriving in Europe in order to seek safety, the experts observed.Additionally, the fact that resettlement will still be made only on a voluntary basis means that only a handful of EU member states will continue to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the human rights of migrants and asylum seekers who arrive irregularly.”It is time for Europe to reclaim its role as a true advocate and political leader of human rights by undertaking concrete steps to safeguard the human rights of asylum seekers and migrants,” they said.They acknowledged recent decisions of some EU Member States to admit a significant number of asylum-seekers, and their commitments to ensure access to their rights.The outpouring of assistance by NGOs, faith groups and countless individuals has been remarkable.However, while recognising the competence of States to regulate migration into their territories, they call on the EU and its Member States to show a similar commitment and to ensure that all future decisions, policies and actions, in this regard, are firmly rooted in international human rights law.
