| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2016) 234 final (26.4.16) |
| Publication Date | 26/04/2016 |
| Content Type | Policy-making, Report |
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The aim of this Communication is to put forward a policy framework to prevent forced displacement from becoming protracted and to gradually end dependence on humanitarian assistance in existing displacement situations by fostering self-reliance and enabling the displaced to live in dignity as contributors to their host societies, until voluntary return or resettlement. The European Union, as an active global player and a leading humanitarian and development donor, is committed to providing assistance to people in need around the world. It does so both in crises and to promote countries' long-term sustainable development. Given the severity of the current refugee and migration crisis, the European Commission put forward a comprehensive and holistic approach in its European Agenda on Migration. The Agenda calls for a ‘strategic reflection’ on how to maximise the impact of the EU’s development and humanitarian support in order to appropriately tackle the magnitude, multi-dimensional drivers and impact of forced displacement at local level. While the EU’s immediate concern is forced displacement caused by the conflicts in its neighbourhood, the issue of long-term forced displacement is global. For this reason, the Commission’s Communication on the role of EU external action in the current refugee crisis called on the EU and its Member States to commit to do more over the long term to address the root causes of migration and displacement. The EU has demonstrated its commitment to tackle the root causes of forced displacement at source by stepping up its efforts to prevent new conflicts, resolve existing ones and address human rights abuses — all major drivers of forced displacement. The ongoing political and diplomatic commitment of the EU and its Member States to resolve existing conflicts and promote respect for human rights worldwide is therefore a key aspect of this agenda. So is saving lives and helping meet immediate humanitarian needs. However, beyond legal and physical protection, food and shelter, forcibly displaced people also need access to jobs and to services such as healthcare, education and housing. The EU acquis and good practices developed since 1999 to create a Common European Asylum System and harmonise common minimum standards for asylum can constitute a good example of how partner countries can receive large refugee populations. This Communication focuses on situations of protracted forced displacement in partner countries due to conflict, violence and human rights violations, irrespective of the status of the displaced under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Elements of the new policy may also be applicable to displacement caused by natural disasters and climatic events, while recognising the different politics, contexts, needs and solutions. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/collection/eu-law/pre-acts.html |
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| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs, Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
