Following the last tragic and inacceptable events in the Mediterranean sea, SOLIDAR with the full support of our members which have long-standing track records in promoting solidarity and human rights, integration of migrants and protection of people in need, decided to write a letter to the Extraordinary European Council of 23 April to call upon the President, Donald Tusk and Heads of State and Government to immediately implement actions to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

In the last two years more than 5000 people died in their attempt to reach the European borders, 1500 only since the beginning of 2015[1]. Most of the people who attempt the dangerous journey come from war-torn Syria (36% of the arrivals in 2014[2]). These numbers clearly show the inadequacy of the current ‘Fortress Europe’ approach to protect human lives and tackle the root causes of migration. Approach which is unfortunately also reflected in the 10 point action plan presented on 20 April by the Joint Foreign and Home Affairs Council.

Once again, we call for a paradigm shift based on the immediate implementation of the following measurers:

• Open humanitarian corridors for people fleeing conflicts and food insecurity and seeking for international protection.

• Promote a joint EU adequately financed search & rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea.

• Improve legal migration and access for refugees for example by delivering Visa in EU embassies for asylum seekers from countries with a high acceptation rate.

• Strengthen external actions aiming at putting an end to conflicts and promoting inclusive development, decent work and social protection and economic, social and cultural rights in the countries of origins and the implementation of Geneva Convention in countries of transit.

• Improve responsibility-sharing mechanisms to support those Member States who are at the forefront and promote the integration efforts of those Member States for whom solidarity is more than a wording.tem

• Make sure that Member States fully comply with the fundamental rights of migrants through providing access to healthcare and basic social services.

Read the full letter directed to the Extraordinary European Council of 23 April to call upon the President, Donald Tusk, and Heads of State and Government here.

[1] UNHCR

[2] IOM