ATHENS, Greece—The fate of 300 illegal migrants is uncertain after their makeshift camp was dismantled in Calais, France last week. Human Rights Watch voiced concern that many would be sent back to Greece, their first point of entry into Europe, where migrants and asylum seekers face poor treatment.
The migrants, who mainly come from Afghanistan, undertook risky attempts from Calais to cross the English Channel.
Under European Union (EU) regulations, the country where the person first entered the EU is responsible for that person’s asylum claim.
“Greece denies 99.5 percent of all asylum claims,” said Bill Frelick, refugee policy director of Human Rights Watch in a press release.
Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over what it calls the “deplorable conditions” in which migrants in Greece are detained.
“Greece fails to guarantee a fair assessment of asylum claims, continues to detain migrants and asylum seekers in conditions that can be inhuman and degrading, and has not provided adequate reception conditions for migrants,” said Human Rights Watch in a press release.
Located in Southern Europe, Greece is one of Europe’s largest entrances for illegal migrants, who enter from the Aegean Sea, the Balkans, and Turkey. Both human traffickers and Greece’s immigration policies contribute to the large immigration.
A decision on whether or not refugee status is granted is judged by a committee of police officers, prefecture officials, and a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Refugees don’t have the benefit of a lawyer or representative, and according to a new Greek law, the asylum seeker has no right to appeal.
“It is hard not to have the impression that European governments are perfectly happy with Greece doing the dirty work for them and giving them the opportunity to get rid of these migrants, including potential refugees,” said Bill Frelick, refugee policy director of Human Rights Watch in a press release.
“Instead of sending them back to Greece, French authorities should ensure these migrants have the chance to apply for asylum in France,” Frelick said.
The migrants, who mainly come from Afghanistan, undertook risky attempts from Calais to cross the English Channel.
Under European Union (EU) regulations, the country where the person first entered the EU is responsible for that person’s asylum claim.
“Greece denies 99.5 percent of all asylum claims,” said Bill Frelick, refugee policy director of Human Rights Watch in a press release.
Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over what it calls the “deplorable conditions” in which migrants in Greece are detained.
“Greece fails to guarantee a fair assessment of asylum claims, continues to detain migrants and asylum seekers in conditions that can be inhuman and degrading, and has not provided adequate reception conditions for migrants,” said Human Rights Watch in a press release.
Located in Southern Europe, Greece is one of Europe’s largest entrances for illegal migrants, who enter from the Aegean Sea, the Balkans, and Turkey. Both human traffickers and Greece’s immigration policies contribute to the large immigration.
A decision on whether or not refugee status is granted is judged by a committee of police officers, prefecture officials, and a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Refugees don’t have the benefit of a lawyer or representative, and according to a new Greek law, the asylum seeker has no right to appeal.
“It is hard not to have the impression that European governments are perfectly happy with Greece doing the dirty work for them and giving them the opportunity to get rid of these migrants, including potential refugees,” said Bill Frelick, refugee policy director of Human Rights Watch in a press release.
“Instead of sending them back to Greece, French authorities should ensure these migrants have the chance to apply for asylum in France,” Frelick said.
