As Greece faces a significant surge in migrant arrivals, particularly from Libya, the government has declared a 'state of emergency' and suspended asylum rights for the next three months. This drastic measure has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who argue it violates international law.
Greece Declares 'State of Emergency' Amid Migrant Influx on Crete
Greece Declares 'State of Emergency' Amid Migrant Influx on Crete
In a controversial decision, Greece's government suspends asylum rights for new migrants as it grapples with rising arrivals from North Africa.
In the cavernous Ayia exhibition center, a former tourist fair site in Crete, rows of men sit in silence, their only companions being the flickering fluorescent lights overhead. These individuals—migrants from countries like Sudan, Egypt, and Bangladesh—did not arrive on the picturesque Greek island for a vacation; instead, they risked their lives in treacherous sea crossings from Libya, only to find themselves detained and denied the opportunity to apply for asylum.
With summer tourism in full swing in Crete, the Greek government has prioritized its reputation and has faced increasing pressure to respond to a rapid influx of migrants. The country's new migration minister, Thanos Plevris, described the situation as a "state of emergency," labeling the migrant arrivals an "invasion" that necessitates strong deterrent measures. Consequently, he has declared that all individuals entering Greece illegally will be detained and returned, with rights to seek asylum suspended for at least three months.
Human rights lawyers have slammed this swift policy change, emphasizing the contradiction to both EU and international laws that protect the right to asylum. Migrants like Mustafa, a 20-year-old fleeing war in Sudan, find themselves in dire living conditions within detention centers, often receiving little to no information about their status or the next steps in their asylum processes.
As Greece grapples with this complex humanitarian crisis, the European Commission has expressed concern but also acknowledged the need for measures in light of the significant uptick of small boat crossings. Critically, some observers have argued that the government's suspension of asylum rights raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge from conflict and instability.
While the influx of migrants has raised alarms about potential impacts on local tourism businesses, many restaurateurs and shop owners emphasize their compassion for those in perilous situations. Yet, the pervasive fears about tourism and local economies seem to cloud broader human rights concerns, as the government takes a hardline stance amidst a backdrop of shifting geopolitical circumstances across Europe.
With summer tourism in full swing in Crete, the Greek government has prioritized its reputation and has faced increasing pressure to respond to a rapid influx of migrants. The country's new migration minister, Thanos Plevris, described the situation as a "state of emergency," labeling the migrant arrivals an "invasion" that necessitates strong deterrent measures. Consequently, he has declared that all individuals entering Greece illegally will be detained and returned, with rights to seek asylum suspended for at least three months.
Human rights lawyers have slammed this swift policy change, emphasizing the contradiction to both EU and international laws that protect the right to asylum. Migrants like Mustafa, a 20-year-old fleeing war in Sudan, find themselves in dire living conditions within detention centers, often receiving little to no information about their status or the next steps in their asylum processes.
As Greece grapples with this complex humanitarian crisis, the European Commission has expressed concern but also acknowledged the need for measures in light of the significant uptick of small boat crossings. Critically, some observers have argued that the government's suspension of asylum rights raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge from conflict and instability.
While the influx of migrants has raised alarms about potential impacts on local tourism businesses, many restaurateurs and shop owners emphasize their compassion for those in perilous situations. Yet, the pervasive fears about tourism and local economies seem to cloud broader human rights concerns, as the government takes a hardline stance amidst a backdrop of shifting geopolitical circumstances across Europe.
