The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres yesterday called on the 27 EU member states to carry on with their efforts to build a coherent and effective common asylum system.

Addressing a conference in Paris organised by the French presidency of the EU, Mr Guterres said a common asylum system could serve as an example for the entire world if it truly guarantees the protection of refugees.

"As an important global actor, the EU has a key role to play to meet the challenges of forced displacement in the world.

"A common European asylum system is an ambitious and unprecedented venture and a unique opportunity to strengthen refugee protection."

According to the UNHCR head, the EU must remain accessible to people seeking protection, noting that many people put themselves in the hands of human smugglers and traffickers because of the plethora of barriers to entry.

Mr Guterres pointed out the need to ensure quality in asylum decision-making and to correct the widespread disparities among member states. Although the EU is currently working on a plan to establish a common asylum system, many member states including Malta do not agree with the current asylum procedures regulated by the so-called Dublin II regulations.

According to these rules, asylum applications have to be dealt with by the member state where an application is first presented. Malta is pushing for a radical overhaul of this system as it places a heavy burden on countries that are on the periphery of the EU.

Malta is calling for the introduction of a burden-sharing mechanism under which all member states would share responsibility for asylum seekers applying to be given refugee status.

So far, Malta's suggestions have not been taken on board.

But speaking at the European Parliament last week European Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot hinted that the Commission is considering the suspension of its common asylum rules for over-burdened countries such as Malta.

Nearly all illegal immigrants arriving in Malta apply for asylum.

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