Theme

How do refugees reach Europe?

The majority of the world's refugees flee to neighbouring countries. Most of these countries struggle to cope with the large number of refugees they host and are often not able to provide adequate protection. The relatively few who reach Europe and claim asylum undertake signifcant risks, especially those crossing the sea from Africa. As European states impose ever tighter visa restrictions on countries in conflict or crisis situations, refugees are faced with no choice but to enter Europe without documentation and risk the penalties of illegal entry.

How does an asylum seeker become a recognised refugee?

EU countries are working to create a Common Asylum System by 2010. Currently, an asylum seeker can face very different chances of being recognised as a refugee, depending in which EU country he/she lodges an application. Access to an asylum interview, legal assistance and interpretation, the quality of decision making in the first instance, and the application of concepts such as safe country of origin are some of the issues which can determine whether an asylum seeker receives the correct decision on their claim.

How does it feel to be locked up for claiming asylum?

The use of detention as a tool to regulate unwanted migration is on the increase in Europe. Detention is used at all stages of the asylum procedure and has become instrumental in attempts to enforce return. The maximum duration of detention provided for by national legislation varies considerably among EU Member States from 32 days in France to 18 months in Malta.

How does Europe welcome refugees?

According to the EU's Reception Directive, EU countries should ensure a dignified and comparable standard of living for asylum seekers in their care. Closely linked to the way in which refugees are received when they first arrive is how soon and in what way they are supported in their integration into their new country. Access to language training, employment and adequate medical care, are some of the factors that can determine whether a refugee is able to adapt successfully or is alienated from society.

How does it affect people's lives?

The Dublin II Regulation gives criteria for determining which EU state is responsible for processing an asylum claim. This is very often the country that a person first arrived in. This puts excessive pressure on border areas, where states are often least able to offer asylum seekers support and protection. To an individual or family caught up in the system, a decision to transfer them to another country when they have already gone through so much to reach a safe place can be devestating.