The rise of xenophobia and the migration crisis in GreeceThe Council of Europe’s wake-up call: ‘Europe cannot afford to look away’

Abstract:

On 23 January, the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Population of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (hereafter "the PACE") issued a draft Resolution and report calling on the EU and its Member States to take concrete solidarity measures in the field of migration and asylum (e.g. reception capacity, resettlement programmes in other Member States). The situation in Greece is seen as a "test case for European solidarity." 1

Because of "mounting tensions in the east Mediterranean" and Greece’s failure "to respect the human rights and dignity of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees", the Committee warned about the rise of racist violence and far-right parties. It also argued that the EU’s actions could contribute to the situation in the country. Rapporteur Tineke Strink2 stressed that the situation was very serious and that "Europe cannot afford to look away."