Greens/EFA Group call for safe and legal pathways to save lives

Today, MEPs will debate on the need for a speedy adoption of the Asylum and Migration Package. The Greens/EFA Group welcome the upcoming negotiations on the pact as an opportunity to fight for a more humane EU migration policy based on solidarity, access to asylum, fair relocation between Member States, and respect for fundamental rights. 

Tineke Strik MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee, comments: 

“The situation in the Mediterranean is dire. This week marks a decade since the Lampedusa shipwreck and in that time over 22,000 people have lost their lives trying to reach Europe via the Med. Instead of seeking humane and practical solutions to manage migration in an orderly and safe way, EU Member States have been pursuing dangerous policies that are turning the Mediterranean into a graveyard. 

“The Greens/EFA Group has long called for an end to the inhumane and degrading treatment of refugees and migrants on our borders. Our Group looks forward to the upcoming negotiations with the Member States as an opportunity to fight for the right to asylum and safe legal pathways for migration. 

“We must not leave border countries to deal with the brunt of this crisis without solidarity from the rest of Europe. This is a Europe-wide issue that requires practical and fair solutions based on solidarity and respect for human rights. 

“It should not be left up to NGOs and individuals alone, who may face persecution by the Italian government and others, to do the vital work of saving lives at sea. To stop the shipwrecks and lost lives we urgently need an EU-coordinated, state-led search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean.”

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The debate can be followed live from 09:00 am here. 

Amnesty International: Ten years since the Lampedusa shipwreck, what lessons have been learned?