Greece: Government Defies Court on Asylum Seekers
JOINT STATEMENT Greece: Government Defies Court on Asylum Seekers Reinstates Containment Policy That Keeps People Trapped on Islands (Athens, April 25, 2018) – The Greek government’s move on April 20, 2018, overturning a binding court ruling ordering it to end its...
Weekly Editorial: Valuing Europe: the European Values Instrument advances
The European Parliament yesterday voted by a large majority to endorse the proposal for a European Values Instrument (EVI), this is a welcome development for European civil society and indeed for all who defend rule of law and democracy in Europe. The EU’s Member...
Top Greek Court annuls island restriction for new asylum seekers
On Tuesday, the Greek Council of State issued a decision annulling the Asylum Service Director Decision which imposed a geographical restriction on asylum seekers arriving on the islands of Lesvos, Rhodes, Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos after 20 March 2016. The Council...
Op-Ed: Moria 35 – Trial at the Gates of Fortress Europe
Op-ed by Carlos Orjuela and Lorraine Leete of Legal Centre Lesbos. “On the 20 April, we are scheduled to attend trial in Chios after waiting nine months, trapped on Lesvos, while 30 of our brothers unjustly have waited in prison for this same time period. Our...
Mounting evidence of crimes against migrants in Yemen
UNHCR and Human Rights Watch have reported on the situation for African migrants and asylum seekers in Yemen this week. Many migrants are arrested, detained in inhumane conditions, abused, sent out to sea in dangerous mass deportations and in some cases executed. Most...
Copenhagen Declaration: controversial reform agenda came to a soft landing
The Copenhagen Declaration on the reform of the European Convention on Human Rights system was adopted by all 47 member states of the Council of Europe on April 13 following a meeting in Copenhagen. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR’s) dynamic interpretation...
Proactiva rescue ship released, crew members remain under investigation
The rescue boat belonging to Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms was ordered to be released this week, having been held in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo since 18 March. The ship was impounded after an altercation in international waters off the Libyan coast, during which...
With a pledge from Germany, EU on track to reach resettlement target
EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avromopoulos announced that Germany would be accepting over 10,000 refugees from North Africa and the Middle East as part of the EU’s voluntary resettlement program. Commissioner Avromopoulos was in...