Respecting the rights of refugees

“The Europeans”, No.18, January 2000

At a time when the Council of Europe has just reiterated its commitment to the generous vision and human rights values, including freedom from persecution, that inspired its creation, these principles are under threat from governments increasingly intent on restricting the number of refugees and asylum seekers on their territory. These restrictive policies and practices are reflected and amplified in the intensifying efforts of the European Union to create a Common European Asylum System, which will inevitably affect the policies of the central and east European states…