| Series Title | Kathimerini |
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| Series Details | 19.03.16 |
| Publication Date | 19/03/2016 |
| Content Type | News |
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At the European Council, Brussels, 17-18 March 2016 a EU-Turkey statement was agreed which aimed to end irregular migration from Turkey to the EU. The first element of the agreement was that all new irregular migrants crossing from Turkey to the Greek islands from the 20 March 2016 would be returned to Turkey. People who did not have a right to international protection would be immediately returned to Turkey. People who applied for asylum in Greece would have their applications treated on a case by case basis, in line with EU and international law requirements and the principle of non-refoulement. In practice, what would happen on the 20 March 2016? Kathimerini reported on the 19 March 2016 that Greek officials signaled that implementation of the migration agreement between the European Union and Turkey could only occur gradually, with key details still to be worked out on how migrants newly arriving from Turkey would be processed and returned. Greece was expecting some 2,300 European experts, including migration officers and translators, to help implement the deal. The UNHCR said on the 22 March 2016 that it was concerned that the EU-Turkey deal was being implemented before the required safeguards were in place in Greece. 'At present, Greece does not have sufficient capacity on the islands for assessing asylum claims, nor the proper conditions to accommodate people decently and safely pending an examination of their cases. UNHCR is not a party to the EU-Turkey deal, nor will we be involved in returns or detention. We will continue to assist the Greek authorities to develop an adequate reception capacity'. |
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| Source Link | http://www.ekathimerini.com/207156/article/ekathimerini/news/migration-deal-quick-start-tough-implementation |
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| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Greece, Turkey |
