Brussels (Brussels Morning) The EU could easily manage hundreds of asylum seekers embarking on its shores had it more reliable and consistent state-led systems to deal with such occurrences, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said today, commenting on the weekend arrival of hundreds of migrants on Italy’s Lampedusa Island, Reuters reported.
“The fact that over this weekend, we have witnessed again, arrivals through the central Mediterranean is further proof that … Europe needs predictable mechanisms to deal with these matters”, Grandi.said. “Yes, there were several boats coming but we’re talking about manageable numbers: through a rational and agreed mechanism this would be very manageable, in our opinion”.
Fair mechanism
After meeting with European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, Grandi told media they both were agreed Europe needs a mechanism that “balances proper arrival arrangements with solidarity through relocation.”
The UN refugee chief said such a mechanism should be the least that Europe could put in place. “We also need … a good, efficient and fair, right space, but nevertheless a fair mechanism of return to their countries of those that are not recognised as refugees”, he added.
Solidarity with Italy
Johansson called on EU countries to help Italy with the burden of new arrivals and to assist in redistributing the load. “When we see … a huge amount of people coming in a very short time there is a need for solidarity towards Italy, and I call on other member states to support with the relocation”, Johansson urged.
“I know it’s more difficult in the pandemic time but I think it’s possible to manage and now it’s time … to show solidarity towards Italy and to help in the situation”, he observed.
