AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
(Brussels, 17 October 2013) Following the recent deaths of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers trying to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa to Europe, today's Amnesty International report, ‘We cannot live here anymore’: Refugees from Syria in Egypt, shines a light on Egypt’s hard-line stance towards refugees from Syria. The report demonstrates how vulnerable people trying to escape the bloody conflict in Syria find themselves in deplorable conditions often after dangerous interception operations en route to Europe. Rather than finding safety in third countries, they are often forced to flee once more with tragic consequences.
The report documents human rights violations in Egypt against refugees from Syria, such as dangerous interception operations, unlawful detention, and forced returns (‘refoulement’). It shows that refugees from Syria are trying to escape discrimination and human rights violations by taking boats to Italy. Amnesty International has learnt that on 17 September shots were fired into the hull of a boat during an Egyptian interception operation, causing the deaths of two refugees.
"Given the deplorable detention and deportation measures, it's not surprising that so many refugees from Syria are leaving Egypt and risking their lives again at sea to reach Europe. What is surprising and shocking is that EU member states appear to be turning a blind eye to the human rights violations by third countries. By closing the borders and preventing the arrival of refugees on European shores, member states are further aggravating the plight of refugees", said Nicolas Beger, Director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions.
The report clearly shows the dangers of current European migration control policies. Amnesty International has repeatedly urged the EU and member states to do more to prevent further loss of life. Search and rescue capacity must be increased, safe routes to Europe must be created, and migration control cooperation with third countries flouting human rights obligations must stop. As the death toll rises, EU leaders must ensure a fundamental change in migration policy at the 24 to 25 October European Council. Now is the time for action!
For more information please contact:
Maeve Patterson
Media & Communications Officer
European Institutions Office
Amnesty International
Tel: +32 (0) 2 548 2773
[email protected]
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