Throughout the go to, Ms. Triggs talked about that one of many worst shipwrecks within the Mediterranean occurred simply over a month in the past.
Defending refugee rights
“The Pylos tragedy and the opposite devastating tragedies within the Mediterranean underscore the primacy of saving lives and defending the rights of individuals pressured to flee. This was my message to the authorities,” she mentioned.
She emphasised the criticality of safeguarding entry to territory and asylum, making certain a predictable and well-coordinated search-and-rescue system, and the necessity for responsibility-sharing and solidarity measures amongst States.
Ms. Triggs additionally raised concern about experiences of abstract pressured returns, stressing the urgency of efficient investigations and measures for prevention and remediation.
Noting that Greece and different nations on the exterior borders of the European Union (EU) face important pressures in responding to irregular actions, she reiterated “the necessity to transfer in direction of a border and asylum administration system that works for all States, whereas making certain that those that search asylum can entry it and refugees are protected.”
Secure pathways for refugees
Past the EU, she advocated for addressing the foundation causes and drivers of displacement via a routes-based method and offering strong help to nations of origin and transit.
Ms. Triggs cited the institution of the Nationwide Emergency Response Mechanism for Unaccompanied Minors as a greatest observe for the safety of kids, and the relocation of unaccompanied youngsters from Greece to numerous nations throughout Europe, for example of responsibility-sharing in motion.
She additionally highlighted the necessity for protected pathways and schemes for refugees and migrants to supply options to the perilous journeys they typically undertake.
Integration efforts in Greece
Throughout her time in Greece, Triggs additionally visited a refugee centre and heard straight from asylum-seekers hosted there.
Whereas efforts have been made to enhance circumstances, the centre stays a extremely securitized setting, resulting in difficulties for asylum-seekers and refugees, significantly in accessing essential companies like healthcare and psychological help.
Ms. Triggs additionally met with civil society organizations, discussing the important companies they supply and the difficulties they’ve.
She conveyed UNHCR’s “reward for the dedication and exhausting work of NGOs in Greece” and renewed the company’s dedication to help civil society in its actions for the safety of refugees.
Whereas appreciating Greece’s efforts to reinforce refugee integration in step with its Nationwide Integration Technique, which allow 68,000 refugees to contribute to the communities internet hosting them, Triggs urged that these initiatives proceed.
Such efforts embody offering entry to employment, addressing expertise gaps, and streamlining documentation and procedural necessities for refugees.
