UN rights chief censures Macedonia over refugees treatment
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein has censured Macedonia for “systematic” violation of the rights of dejected and vulnerable refugees, particularly children.
“I urge the government to put an end to these practices, which are in breach of international law,” Zeid said on Friday.
The UN rights chief said he was deeply concerned after receiving reports of Macedonia's collective and arbitrary expulsion of refugees into neighboring countries.
He said measures such as detaining and expelling refugees, especially the detention of children, violated international human rights.
Zeid said when his staff visited Macedonia earlier this month, they witnessed widespread detention of refugees, including many children, "who have been living in limbo since March."
“It is duty of the authorities to ensure that all migrants are properly and systematically screened so that vulnerable people are identified and adequate protection measures taken,” he said.
“We have received reports of terrible abuses taking place, including rapes, extortion and kidnapping,” the senior UN official said, adding that refugees, particularly women and children, were “in a deplorably vulnerable situation.”
“Many of these migrants have already had terrible experiences in their home countries, as well as during their journeys to Europe, and they deserve, and are legally entitled to, better treatment than this… It is not enough just to provide the minimum in terms of food and shelter,” he said.
European leaders have repeatedly warned the tragedy-stricken refugees heading to the continent that they are not welcome there.
Earlier this month, European Council President Donald Tusk went even further and said the capacity to take in more refugees is almost full.
“The practical capability of Europe to host new waves of refugees… is close to limits,” Tusk told reporters on September 4.
Many blame the West for the violence and unrest that has forced millions of people to flee their homes in the Middle East and North Africa, causing the huge flow of refugees into Europe.
Flood deaths hit 205 as Spain reels from worst modern day disaster
G7 leaders decide to give $50bn to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets
'Nonsensical’ US request for Italian troops to Palestine
VIDEO | 70 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza Strip
US Election Day: First votes cast in New Hampshire
Nov. 4: ‘Axis of Resistance’ operations against Israeli occupation
Britons demand release of pro-Palestine activists
VIDEO | Israel's unwinnable war in Lebanon
Non-aligned nations condemn Israeli violation of Iran's sovereignty
IRGC: 10 foreign-backed terrorists killed, arrested in Sistan and Baluchestan
Iran calls on EU to end targeting ordinary Iranians after missile transfer claims refuted
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
