IFOR joins a statement on the violation of human rights of migrants and refugees in the Balkan Route: 46th UN HRC

IFOR has joined a statement, at the ongoing 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, on the continued systematic and institutionalized violation of the rights of migrants crossing the Balkan route to Europe.

The statement has been delivered during the General Debate with the High Commissioner on human rights Michelle Bachelet on March 1st, by Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII, following the presentation of reports by the High Commissioner.

"Madam President,

APG23 and 10 co-signing NGOs are concerned about the continued systematic and institutionalised violation of the rights of migrants crossing the Balkan route to Europe.
We refer to thousands of persons who are spending the freezing Balkan and Greek winters in camps, often lacking the fundamental rights. According to reports of NGOs directly monitoring the situation, including some co-signatories of this statement, people in camps live in dreadful conditions lacking heating, electricity and proper sanitation. This causes the insurgence of illness and degradation of living, and exposes several persons to inhuman and degrading treatments. Indeed, there are remarkably high cases of self-harm and suicide attempts inside the camps, even among children.

Furthermore, the current COVID19 health crisis has often been used as an instrument of pressure by the host countries against both migrants and NGOs, creating a strong criminalisation of those who denounce the current situation. Permissions to leave the camps are often denied even if migrants present evidence of serious proven health problems. At the same time, it is increasingly difficult for NGOs to support migrants. The current law of some host countries foresees heavy fines for helping migrants and some NGOs have even been accused by the authorities of abetting illegal immigration after reporting pushbacks by the coast guard.

Finally, other illegal practices continue to be carried out, such as the violent pushbacks of migrants on land and sea, as well as the registration of people as adults even if they are minors, to reduce the State's reception costs.

We believe that time has come to put an end to these human rights violations, which have taken place for too long and that risk becoming even more systematic trends perpetrated with impunity. It is critical to find long-term solutions and reflect on the underlying reasons and policies that have triggered the situation.
Thank you!"

The statement is available here.

You can watch the reporting of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights at this link.

EUFOR Calls for New Vision of Europe

EUFOR – European Fellowship of Reconciliation

Wednesday 06.04.16 12:00AM

Original press release.

At a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 25 representatives of the European branches of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) call for a “renewed vision of Europe” based on Culture of Peace; not military might.

A new way of working in Europe is needed based on unity, solidarity and humanity to tackle 21st Century challenges.

The following areas in need of urgent and collective attention are:

1. Recognize Refugees and Migrants as Citizens
2. Disarmament and Abolish Nuclear Weapons and Arms Trade
3. Promote Peace Education, Inter-faith Dialogue and Social Empowerment
    

The European Branches made the following statements: 
 

“The European civil society has experienced on many occasions the power to transform conflicts through a firm stand for human rights, non-violence and human security. We want to build on this heritage of positive values.

Refugees and migrants are making a statement with their feet on failed policy. Europe's efforts and resources should be spent tackling the root causes of their migration as well as accepting refugees and migrants as citizens. 

Europe is in a larger value crisis and it must act and shift resources away from arms expenditure, nuclear weapons, and military strategy.

There is a further need to prioritize non-violent intervention in order to foster and create a Europe of solidarity.

EUFOR calls on the people of Europe to exercise their cooperative responsibility on forming a Europe of hope not fear, and neighbors not strangers. Together we can change our communities and governments.”

NOTES:

• EUFOR brings together groups committed to faith-based non-violence.
• The Fellowships started in 1914 with people who conscientiously objected to taking part in war because of their religious beliefs
• EUFOR continues to work for non-violence, peace and reconciliation
• EUFOR meeting (01.04.16) consisted of representatives from Wales, England, Scotland, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Austria and Belgium.