HRW: Respect the Rights of Refugees, Ease the Suffering at Borders

In the wake of Turkey's decision of opening its borders for the refugees who want to leave the country for Europe, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a written statement and called on "Greece and its European Union (EU) partners to deliver a collective response to Turkey's new policy of not stopping migrants and asylum seekers trying to leave for Greece."

"The EU's response should provide for shared responsibility, uphold the right to seek asylum, and guarantee humane and dignified treatment to all migrants", the HRW statement has emphasized further.

The statement of the organization came following a decision by the Greece's National Security Council to effectively suspend access to the asylum system for a month for people who crossed the border irregularly.

'People handed down prison terms for crossing border'

The HRW has briefly shared the following observations and evaluations regarding the treatment of refugees in Greece:

"The Greek government reinforced its border with police, army, and special forces and sought greater support by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX).

"Greek forces appear to have used excessive or disproportionate force, including teargas, as women, men, and children from Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, and other countries went to border hoping to cross into Greece.

"Some local residents are blocking buses from transferring newcomers to the government's hotspot facility for asylum seekers and migrants, while local activists reported that men holding bats and chains gathered on the streets leading to the Moria refugee camp.

"In recent days, Greek courts have handed down prison terms to people who had crossed the border without documents, Greek authorities said, in circumstances that preclude the possibility that the defendants had fair proceedings with due process."

'People at the border didn't choose to be on the move'

Within this context, Lotte Leicht, EU Director at the HRW, has emphasized that "the EU has an opportunity to show it can respond with compassion to the arrival of people fleeing conflict and persecution by putting their dignity and humanity at the center of its response."

Stressing the importance of responsibility-sharing among the EU states, Leicht has also said, "Greater responsibility-sharing among EU states, respecting the right to seek asylum, and ensuring that people are treated humanely should be the hallmarks of any EU response."

Lotte Leicht has stated the following about the issue: "Praising Greek border guards using teargas and other violent means to prevent crossing at the land border and engaging in dangerous, and possibly criminal, behavior against asylum seekers and migrants at sea is quite frankly irresponsible."

"If the EU's highest officials are willing to turn a blind eye to such abuses and violations of international law, they will invite more of the same.

"People trapped at the Greek-Turkish border did not choose to be on the move. They are fleeing conflict and persecution.

"European governments should learn from past mistakes, and prevent suffering, deaths, and chaos by embarking on transparent policies guided by solidarity, humanity, and respect of international law."

'Turkey likewise has a responsibility'

Accordingly, emphasizing that "the Turkish government likewise has a responsibility to allow asylum seekers at its border to seek protection", the HRW has made the following calls to Greece and the EU:

"Greek authorities should urgently act to curb vigilante violence, and investigate and prosecute those responsible.

"The EU and Greece's leadership should publicly and unequivocally condemn such violence, and the criminal justice system should hold those responsible for violence to account.

"Greek law enforcement officers should receive clear instructions that any use of force must be proportionate to the need. The authorities should urgently investigate reports of excessive use of force by law enforcement officials and hold those responsible to account.

"The Greek government should immediately reverse its decision to suspend access to asylum for people who crossed the border irregularly, ensure access to its territory for people seeking protection, and ensure that anyone in need of international protection can apply for asylum at the border.

"European Commission should urgently support Greece to ensure adequate reception conditions, including shelter, toilets, food, basic health care in areas where large numbers of asylum seekers and migrants have arrived.

"The commission and likeminded EU member states should also collaborate closely with Greece in setting up an emergency decongestion plan for the Greek islands, where over 40,000 asylum seekers and migrants are trapped in inhumane and degrading living conditions." (SD)