Press Releases

Although the migration and refugee issues have been debated continuously in the IPU Assemblies over the past years and although concerted action has been undertaken at international and European level to mitigate the effects of the current migration and refugee crisis, the fact remains that people are still drowning in the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, the war is raging in Syria, with the recent Turkish invasion in the country worsening the humanitarian crisis and complicating the political situation even more. Sectarian violence has spread in the entire region, the effects of climate change are already more than visible, people from the African continent are still fleeing poverty, disease and civil war and we are still living with the terrorist threat in our daily activities.

Let us not forget that we are primarily discussing people, their lives, human rights and prospects for a better future. Much too often, the current discourse on migration and the refugee crisis, focuses on strategic management procedures and better coordination of mechanisms and bureaucratic processes, as though we were talking about the optimal use of scarce resources and commodities. We are talking about human lives and suffering, about lost relatives and death and the inability of our societies to embrace effectively and holistically this massive exodus.

In this Assembly, we strive to address these issues from a human rights perspective, on the basis of solidarity, equitable burden sharing, responsibility and ongoing financial commitment. In fact, I would add that the human rights of these migrant populations need to be met and upheld in their every situation and encounter with authorities, at entry and registration points, during assessment processes and during their transfer to shelter and safety. Family reunification should be granted to all persons qualifying for international protection, but in its broadest interpretation, not in limiting terms. We must do our utmost to provide education, jobs, housing, health care and share whatever surplus we have to alleviate the many difficulties they will face in today’s world. Only in this way, can we stand proud in this Assembly that our universal values and principles matter.

A correct reading of the situation that will include actions to combat the root causes of migration in the countries of origin, especially in Africa and the Middle East needs to be carefully thought out and combined with the creation of clearly defined legal entry routes, for those persons for whom migration must be allowed. For example, refugees in urgent need of humanitarian relief, shelter and safety. I understand that we cannot allow for open borders. The impact would be overwhelming and destabilizing. But let us make sure for those to whom we do grant entry, that we do it correctly, taking into account their background, cultural diversity, social beliefs and aspirations. We do not want to create ghettos within our own societies. We want to consolidate the multicultural character and active involvement of all our citizens and to strengthen the social fabric of migrant communities living in our countries by recognizing that the protection of their human rights is just as precious and valid as our own human rights and security concerns. 

Last but not least, I strongly believe that we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when creating them. Solutions can be only found by shifting our mindset.

Thank you for your attention.

(ML/II)