Safe Countries
The Safe Third Country concept allows European states to pass the responsibility for examining an application for asylum to another country. It can result in people being bounced from one country to another without having their claim heard and in the worst cases can result in a person being returned to persecution. ECRE believes that without strict safeguards, its application can put states at odds with their obligations under international law. As long as there are differences in protection offered between states, it is unfair to condemn a person for seeking better protection. It is also inconsistent with the principle of burden sharing. The Safe Country of Origin concept is premised on the view that certain designated countries do not generally violate international human rights law and therefore do not produce refugees. Nationals from these countries can have their claims certified as ‘unfounded’ and be placed through accelerated procedures sometimes lacking essential safeguards. The EU is still in the process of agreeing a common list of safe countries. ECRE believes that this concept is in fundamental opposition of the right of individuals to lodge an asylum application and have it considered on an individual basis. |
Position Papers Safe Third Countries: Myths and Realities Evaluation of the Development of EU Minimum Standards on Refugee Protection Responses & Recommendations ECRE Information Note on the Procedures Directive Comments on the Amended Proposal for an Asylum Procedures Directive - March 2005 Recommendations to the JHA Council on the Safe Third Country Concept Research Papers The Application of the Safe Country of Origin Concept in Europe: An Overview |