Author: unhcr.org/gr | 24 October2019
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, appreciates efforts by Greece to overhaul its strained asylum system but is deeply concerned that proposed legislative amendments will weaken refugee protection in the country, and are being rushed through Parliament.
UNHCR agrees that Greece’s asylum system must be strengthened as a matter of priority. However, a draft law submitted to parliament this week – after just four working days of public consultation – will reduce safeguards for people seeking international protection and will create additional pressure on the overstretched capacity of administrative and judicial authorities.
“The proposed changes will endanger people who need international protection,” said UNHCR’s Representative in Greece, Philippe Leclerc. “Greece has the opportunity to adopt a robust law through a genuine and constructive consultation to ensure fair and efficient asylum procedures in the country. This is an objective we are here to support.”