AA17CR23ADD1

AS (2017) CR 23
Addendum 1

2017 ORDINARY SESSION

________________________

(Third part)

REPORT

Twenty-third sitting

Wednesday 28 June 2017 at 10 a.m.

Joint debate:

A comprehensive humanitarian and political response to the migration and refugee crisis in Europe

Human rights implications of the European response to transit migration across the Mediterranean

The following texts were submitted for inclusion in the official report by members who were present in the Chamber but were prevented by lack of time from delivering them.

Mr KANDEMİR (Turkey) – On 3 October 2013, a left-to-die boat sank off the coast of Lampedusa. Divers found an Eritrean woman who had given birth while she drowned. A newborn baby was found 150 feet down in the Mediterranean, still connected to her mother by the umbilical cord. This tragic event is a frequent occurrence near the borders of Europe. As members of this august body, our foremost duty is to find a quick and comprehensive response to this ongoing humanitarian crisis; otherwise there will be a dark stain on the history of Europe.

The crux of this issue is simple: some countries do everything in their power to push refugees to other countries, while others open their borders and welcome refugees. It is obvious which approach is in line with European values.

Situated in a disaster-prone geographical zone, Turkey has a strong tradition of responding to those in need. Drawing from its own experiences, Turkey is an ardent advocate of international solidarity and partnership with a view to building a safer world, saving human lives and protecting the environment through a sustainable and collective strategy. Syria’s neighbouring countries, including Turkey, have so far assumed an unfair share of the humanitarian burden of the Syria conflict. They should not be left alone in coping with this humanitarian crisis which requires a genuine historical partnership among all members of the international community.

In this context, I urge all responsible members of this body to reconsider their position if they believe refugees are unwelcome in their countries. Turning your backs on refugees is not only a grave violation of international law and European values, but also overtly rejects Europe’s reputation as a beacon of human rights.

Mr KIRAL (Ukraine) – Geopolitical games triggered by opportunistic leaders such as Russia’s Putin seeking to alter the world order and divide regional spheres of influence, cause people to flee homes in the occupied Ukrainian territories of Crimea and Donbass, or the Middle East. Failure to build security, protect human rights and property, and create opportunities for young people are the causes of refugee flows. It is a guilt we all commonly share. Jordan hosts 2.5 million refugees, but exports only 10% of its imports volume to Europe.

Cities are in the forefront of the migration crisis, together with some European institutions such as Frontex, which failed to respond at the beginning of the crisis. While these institutions can afford to give out excuses, cities must continue to supply services and provide security for their inhabitants. Often, governments do not help, but artificially hinder their operations to extract loyalty from city leaderships. Political pressure and persecution affecting the lives of millions of people is not acceptable in Council of Europe member States.

While visiting Greece as part of the PACE Ad-hoc Committee, we saw a number of refugee camps and exchanged views with the municipality of Athens. I was appalled to learn that the central governments in both Greece and Brussels were not doing enough to help the municipal authorities. All too often, central governments are not facilitators, but rather a hindrance, only worsening the problems that communities have to deal with on a daily basis. Athens, like many other cities in Greece, has faced a rubbish strike for 11 days now, caused by the government’s inability to agree with waste collection companies on labour protection rights.

My native city of Lviv, in Ukraine, has faced a waste blockade for 14 months now, caused by the central Ukrainian authorities trying to pressure the mayor, who is the leader of an inconvenient political party and possible rival in the next presidential elections. Over a million people have been taken hostage, not because the city has no knowledge or money to solve its waste problems, but because the centralised decision-making State governance system has blocked access to its only landfill and a decision on international co-operation to attract investment.