On the occasion of World Refugee Day, First Vice President Timmermans, High Representative/ Vice-President Mogherini and Commissioners Hahn, Mimica, Avramopoulos and Stylianides, made the following statement:
“As we mark 60 years of European unity, let us not forget that only a few generations ago many of us in Europe were refugees too. […] Today around the world more than 65 million people are forced to leave their homes due to conflicts and violence, natural disasters or the very real consequences of climate change. […] As the leading global aid donor, the EU is providing humanitarian assistance and long-term support to refugees and internally displaced people. […] The European Union has mobilised almost €10 billion to support people who have fled the war in Syria. […] Along the migratory routes, we are working with urgency to save people’s lives, fighting the smuggling networks, and conducting search and rescue operations at sea. […] Many have fled conflict and terror; others were born in displacement and know only the life of being a refugee. The most vulnerable of all are children – and the European Union provides millions of them with education, healthcare and protection. In 2016, EU Member States have granted protection to more than 700,000 asylum seekers. […] While improving the living conditions of refugees in Europe, we are working together with our Member States on establishing more legal and safe pathways in order to replace dangerous and irregular smuggling routes. More than 16,400 people in need of international protection have already been resettled to the European Union since July 2015. […] Global action by the international community is needed. Only by sharing this responsibility can we uphold the safety, dignity and human rights of refugees, and give not only a shelter but a chance for a future to those who need it most. It is a moral duty, and the best investment we can make in our own security and stability.”
Please see the entire statement here.
