- Spokespeople available
- Demonstration at 17.00 Rue de la Loi between the Berlaymont and Justus Lipsius buildings
Ahead of an extraordinary Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) meeting later today, Amnesty International is calling on EU member states to step in and address the situation unfolding at the Greece-Turkey border.
“What we are witnessing at the Greece-Turkey border is a crisis of humanity of Europe’s making. The protection of refugees is not something that countries can duck out of when they choose. Greece must uphold the right to asylum and the EU must support them to do that. The right to claim asylum is non-negotiable,” said Eve Geddie, Director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office.
The protection of refugees is not something that countries can duck out of when they choose. Greece must uphold the right to asylum and the EU must support them to do that. The right to claim asylum is non-negotiable.
Eve Geddie, Director of Amnesty International's European Institutions office
“The European institutions have been quick to express solidarity with Greece, but they have failed to extend that solidarity to asylum-seekers and migrants who are in grave need of protection. Those people came to Europe seeking safety and have been violently denied their rights. Ministers meeting today need to condemn any excessive use of force against people, including NGO workers and journalists at the land or sea borders between Greece and Turkey.”
EU member states can help alleviate the situation by helping Greece manage asylum requests, provide proper reception facilities and relocate asylum seekers to other countries.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Amnesty International press office on [email protected] +32 2 548 27 73 or +32 483 680 812