Title The Way Forward: Europe's Role in the Global Refugee Protection System. Guarding Refugee Protection Standards in Regions of Origin
Publisher European Council on Refugees and Exiles
Publication Date December 2005
Topics International protection | Voluntary repatriation
Cite as European Council on Refugees and Exiles, The Way Forward: Europe's Role in the Global Refugee Protection System. Guarding Refugee Protection Standards in Regions of Origin, December 2005, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/43a67e804.html [accessed 25 May 2023]
Comments This paper includes the following key recommendations:
* Europe must play an active role in improving refugee protection in regions of origin, without undermining the right to seek asylum in Europe.
* Europe must act on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes protection, drawn from international refugee and human rights law.
* To access protection which is effective refugees must enjoy: (a) A guarantee of nonrefoulement; (b) Civil and political rights; (c) Economic, social and cultural rights; (d) Legal protection; (e) Timely access to a durable solution.
* States in all regions should, without reservations, accede to and comply with the relevant international refugee and human rights instruments.
* Asylum seekers and refugees should never be returned or transferred against their will to 'safe third countries': (i) which only provide temporary protection; (ii) with which they have no meaningful links; (iii) where resettlement is the only option; (iv) if it would be inconsistent with international responsibilitysharing principles.
* International and European cooperation should lead to greater responsibilitysharing and go beyond its current overwhelming focus on the strengthening of border controls.
* European states should undertake concrete measures to help other refugeehosting countries provide a better quality of protection. These must take into account the rights and needs of local host populations.
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.