Europe is experiencing a rapidly escalating migrant crisis, as hundreds of thousands of people flee war-torn regions in the Middle East and Africa seeking refuge in the European Union. The issue, among other points, is on the agenda of the UN Human Rights Council three-weeks meeting, currently underway in Geneva.
"I implore decision-makers in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific – as well as Europe – to take swift action to establish effective and principled migration governance. States have a sovereign right to secure their borders, and to determine conditions of entry and stay in their territories. But they also have an obligation to respect international human rights law, refugee law and humanitarian law," Hussein said at the meeting.
An efficient "architecture of migration governance" is a priority for Europe, the UN rights chief said, underscoring that the two key measures — expanded channels of regular migration and resettlement – will prevent deaths and limit the lucrative business of human trafficking.
According to the European Commission statistics, some 500,000 migrants have arrived in Europe since the beginning of 2015.
Amid the crisis, some European countries have tightened their asylum policy, while others have accepted and even welcomed refugees. Both practices have caused domestic and international controversy and public outcry.
