Press Release: World Refugee Day, 20 June 2010 – Joint Statement by Commissioners Malmström and Georgieva

World Refugee Day, on 18 June 2010, is an occasion to turn our thoughts to the millions of people around the world who have no choice but to leave their homes because of persecution and conflict. It is also the occasion to remind ourselves that offering asylum to those who need it is an obligation, deriving from Europe's long tradition of humanitarianism and its international commitment to protecting the weak and vulnerable.

Over the last few years, the EU has put in place legislation to ensure minimum levels of support, procedural guarantees and rights for asylum seekers and refugees in all EU Member States.