Joint statement on the refugee crisis

In the context of the largest movement of refugees since the end of the Second World War, we, the undersigned organisations, raise our concerns about the lack of a holistic and united response to the current refugee situation. We acknowledge the importance of the additional EU funding to manage the refugee crisis, pledged on 14 October. However, a more comprehensive and long term response is needed to provide a sustainable and rights-based solution to the long term and complex challenges of forced migration, and to provide adequate and immediate protection to those fleeing war, conflict and persecution.

Protecting the lives and well-being of the refugees remains a key priority. In the first nine months of 2015, an estimated 710,000 people crossed into EU countries; many of them fleeing war, conflict and various appalling human rights violations. Many have risked their lives on dangerous journeys to Europe and this year alone, 3,000 refugees have died in the attempt. We are concerned about the effect of the lack of safe and legal routes to Europe, which forces people fleeing conflict and human rights violations to risk their lives and, in many cases, rely on people traffickers.

We highlight the need to tackle the root causes of forced migration, including a wide array of human rights violations. Religious persecution is one of the factors forcing people to flee their countries. The right to freedom of religion or belief, which includes the freedom to change one’s religion or belief, the right not to believe and the right to manifest one’s religion, is threatened in various ways such as through forced conversion, violence, imprisonment, abduction, torture and rape in many of the refugee-producing countries. Systematic violence, especially against religious minorities, has contributed significantly to the global refugee crisis. More strategic and coherent action to improve the human rights situation, including religious freedom, is required as part of the solution to tackle the growing forced displacement.

We commend the generosity of several states to provide sanctuary to people fleeing human rights violations and conflict. We also recognise the compassionate work of many individuals, NGOs, and faith organisations in different parts of Europe promoting solidarity with refugees and providing practical support to meet the basic needs of refugees. However, some states are struggling to play their role and take responsibility to provide protection. Furthermore, several countries have witnessed a rise in social hostilities and anti-migrant rhetoric that needs to be tackled more effectively. The scale of the refugee crisis is extensive and all stakeholders – governments, international institutions, civil society, faith organisations, the media and individuals – have important roles to play in order to establish coherent and credible response.

We also acknowledge the efforts of many refugee-hosting countries outside Europe which currently host the majority of the world’s refugees. Further support is required for countries in conflict regions, as well as humanitarian organisations such as the UNHCR, in order to adequately support refugees and to improve the conditions in refugee camps.

As a group of diverse civil society organisations, we call for a strengthened, just and humane response to the refugee situation and we urge the European governments to:

• Establish a stronger, more holistic, regional and global response to the refugee situation, which is embedded in international human rights law and the principles of human dignity.
• Ensure that the principle of non-refoulement is respected and that countries do not expel or return refugees to areas where their life or freedom is threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
• Tackle xenophobic speech and racism against refugees and condemn strongly any acts of violence, discrimination or hatred against refugees. We also urge the media to refrain from spreading negative stereotypes about refugees.
• Address the root causes of the refugee crisis and strengthen human rights and democratic development in the countries of origin. Particularly, we urge countries to commit funds, time and efforts to tackle violations of religious freedom more effectively as these violations – often intersecting with other human rights violations – are one of the root causes behind forced migration.
• Acknowledge the profound impact of forced migration on the lives of refugees and guarantee non-discrimination and equal treatment irrespective of ethnicity, religion or nationality of refugees. We also encourage governments to pay particular attention to the needs of the most vulnerable groups and to design refugee policies, interventions and programmes that are fully inclusive and address adequately the different needs of vulnerable individuals.

CEJI – A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe

Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Open Doors UK & Ireland

Refugee Highway Partnership