UNHCR Warns Greece Over Asylum Suspension Plan

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has voiced concern over mounting pressure from recent irregular arrivals on the Greek islands of Gavdos and Crete, while reaffirming that the right to seek asylum must remain protected under international and European law.

In a recent statement, UNHCR acknowledged the challenges posed by increased boat arrivals, particularly from North Africa, and emphasised that while states have the sovereign right to manage their borders and address irregular migration, these measures must comply with international legal obligations.

“Greece has a long-standing tradition of offering protection to people fleeing war and persecution. That tradition must be upheld,” the agency stated.

The UN refugee agency expressed serious concern over a new legislative amendment currently before the Hellenic Parliament. The proposed measure would suspend, for three months, the ability of individuals arriving by boat from North Africa to submit asylum applications. It also provides for their return without formal registration of their asylum claims.

UNHCR warned that such a suspension would violate the right to seek asylum—a right guaranteed by international, European, and Greek law. The agency stressed that all individuals, regardless of how they arrive, must have access to asylum procedures. “Returning people to a place where they would face threats to their life or freedom would breach the principle of non-refoulement,” it said, referring to the core international legal principle prohibiting the forced return of asylum-seekers to danger.

While acknowledging that not all those arriving are refugees, the agency underlined that many, particularly Sudanese nationals fleeing war and persecution, are entitled to international protection. It also reiterated that migrants and asylum-seekers who enter a country irregularly should not be penalized if they promptly present themselves to authorities.

UNHCR has long supported the efforts of the Hellenic Coast Guard and local authorities in responding to migration challenges, and reaffirmed its readiness to assist in creating “sustainable and humane solutions.” These include fair and efficient asylum procedures to better identify those in need of protection.

Finally, the agency called for greater solidarity across the European Union. “Greece, and other EU countries on the external border, should not be left alone,” UNHCR said, urging the bloc to adopt stronger responsibility-sharing mechanisms to ease the burden on frontline states.

The statement comes amid a sharp rise in boat arrivals from North Africa, increasing pressure on Greece’s already stretched asylum and reception systems, particularly on remote islands like Gavdos.

Source: pagenews.gr